A Halifax-area park that is a point of pride for many has once again been targeted by vandals.
Acadia Park in Lower Sackville, N.S., has been built up by volunteers and donations. But vandals have recently removed spigots from the fountain, stripped away plaques, defaced benches, and burned holes in wooden structures.
“If they do smash something, we try to fix it that day,” said Acadia Hall director Linda Hefler. “We are doing this for the enjoyment of the community, and it breaks our heart when it is destroyed.”
As a volunteer, Dave Peverill prefers improving the park than cleaning up after the vandals.
“I don't have kids that use this park,” he said. “We are doing it for the community.”
Volunteers say vandalism has been an ongoing problem since five years ago when they started improving the park. They estimate the damage has totalled as much as $15,000.
“They don't realize the beauty or the privilege to have something like this,” said local resident Linda Mahar.
Equipment that belongs to an outdoor senior's gym has also been tampered with. The volunteers have caught teenagers on their security cameras.
“The problem is there is nothing that can be done, unfortunately, unless the kids that are doing the deeds move away or grow up,” said Peverill.
The volunteers just ask that everyone respects the space and the hard work of others.
“Everything has been put here by community members and groups,” said Hefler. “There is just no need of it being destroyed.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.