By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
FELLSMERE – From graffiti and broken lights to broken into concession stands and electrical boxes, the City of Fellsmere is starting to consider closing its parks at night and possibly even installing security cameras in an effort to combat the vandalism.
“It’s been all sorts of severity,” said Fellsmere Police Chief Scott Melanson.
Perhaps the worst of it was someone who drove “donuts” in the soccer field, where the city had recently laid new sod. The incident has been repeated at least two more times.
“It seems like kids with nothing better to do,” Chief Melanson said.
The police chief said that he has begun talks with camera vendors and is collecting information about the cost, but no decision to purchase and install the cameras has been made.
“We can’t be everyplace at once,” Chief Melanson said, explaining that some cameras can record up to 12 hours at a time while others can record 24 hours.
The cameras, if purchased, would only be installed at the city’s parks.
City Manager Jason Nunemaker brought up the issue of vandalism at the Fellsmere City Council meeting last week.
He brought up the possibility of restricting the hours at the parks, having them close at perhaps 10 or 11 p.m.
“We’re trying to get a handle on it,” Nunemaker said.
Mayor Susan Adams said that doing “something is better than nothing” when combating the vandalism.
Chief Melanson said he is reviewing the hours of operation at other municipalities’ parks. Currently, Fellsmere’s parks are open 24 hours daily.
“The city wants people using the parks,” the chief said.
He added that anyone who thinks they are seeing vandalism in progress needs to call 911 immediately, no matter the time of day.
“It’s damage to city property,” the chief explained. “It’s criminal mischief.”
Chief Melanson also said that the vandals are hurting more than the city’s parks, they’re hurting the residents.
“They need to understand the damage done is costing them,” he said. “It’s their money.”
