LIBERTY – Tony Boiter, Recreation Director for the city of Liberty voiced his concerns about vandals at the Liberty parks and recreation facilities at the Dec 14 Liberty City Council meeting.

Boiter said he’s noticed a lot of vandalism in bathrooms around the parks, vulgar language written on picnic tables, soccer goals being damaged and playground equipment being damaged around the Liberty area.

“I’ve asked walkers or people I know that frequent those parks to be on the lookout for vandals while they are there,” Boiter said. “If they see any one vandalizing the property, I asked that they report it or even call me. We are proud of our city parks. We’ve worked hard on them. But it’s a constant battle trying to keep things looking nice.”

Boiter asked council to consider several things that may help keep the vandals away.

Boiter said there are several lights not working over at the tennis and basketball courts at Mills Avenue. He asked the city to consider fixing the lights and putting them on an automatic timer. He also said that fencing the courts in may help keep the vandals away.

“I think those courts are good for the kids,” Boiter said. “During the summertime, they always have kids on them, and I think it helps keeps kids out of trouble. There are only a handful of people that ruin it for everyone.”

Councilman Michael Sheriff mentioned the little league field already has surveillance cameras which were helpful in catching vandals who tore down flags and messed up restroom doors.

“It’s costing us,” Mayor Brian Deese said. “We hate to play big brother but sometimes we have to. It cost a lot of money to replace some of that equipment. We are wanting to add new toys to the playgrounds, but if we keep having to replace broken ones because of vandals, we wont be able to afford them.”

Deese said he would sit down with Boiter to discuss the needs and bring it to the council at a later date.