Vandals strike Ridgeview Park

By Jimmy LaRoue

Published: August 17, 2008

A mostly sunny, 85-degree day drew hundreds to Ridgeview Park on Sunday, but when they arrived, it wasn’t the same park as the day before.
Multiple vandals, sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, caused about $10,000 in damage, according to Waynesboro Police Sgt. Brian Edwards.
At the park, two trash cans, three picnic tables, four bird feeders and multiple signs were spotted in the South River near the footbridge.
Edwards said no one in the neighborhood adjacent to Ridgeview Park heard anything overnight, and it wasn’t until people went into the park Sunday morning that residents spotted any damage.
“We did not get any calls from citizens near the park indicating that anything was going on there,” Edwards said. “Citizens in the park this morning notified police of the incident.”
The pavilion, amphitheater and restroom areas also suffered “enormous” damage, according to police. Police tape blocked off access to the restrooms.
Inside, the porcelain sinks and toilets were heavily damaged, and glass from broken windows was scattered on the floor. Light fixtures were also damaged.
The kiosk at the Serenity Garden, in the southwest corner of the park, was also damaged, with glass broken out.
Edwards said police are “trying to draw up some leads” in the incident.
Councilwoman Nancy Dowdy said she was disappointed to learn the news.
“We worked very hard to make that park a place for our community to enjoy it,” Dowdy said. “It’s just very disappointing that it happened.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Central Shenandoah CrimeStoppers at 1-800-322-2017. Callers with information leading to an arrest could receive cash awards up to $1,000. The information can be given anonymously, police say.