Graffiti artists create costly eyesore at park

For area students the summer vacation means fun in the sun, but for the city of Big Spring, it means trying to keep up with the rash of vandalism and graffiti finding its way into public parks and streets.

According to Todd Darden, director of public works for the city of Big Spring, the city has already suffered thousands of dollars in damage at the hands of vandals since schools dismissed for the summer.

“We’ve been hit twice at the Roy Anderson Ballpark, twice at Kids Zone and once at the spring in Comanche Trail Park,” said Darden. “That’s all since school was dismissed. We’re not saying it’s kids that are doing this, but the damage has certainly picked up since school let out.”

Darden said the city has also seen vandalism at several vacant buildings in downtown Big Spring during the past few weeks, and what it all amounts to is a huge bill for repairs.

“We’ve tried sand blasting some of it off — basically everything in the book — and there’s just no cheap answer,” said Darden. “We’re looking at thousands of dollars in damage already, and the summer has just begun. And the worst part is this is all being paid for by taxpayer dollars, so everyone’s having to pay for it. They’re just tearing up their own stuff, in a sense.”

The most recent attack came against the historic spring in Comanche Trail Park where vandals used graffiti to mark numerous displays.

“They marked on the stonework looking out over the spring,” said Darden. “They also did a lot of damage to the stone fence around the spring, as well as the stone seats and ledges.”

Darden said the city is working to catch the vandals, and is also looking into preventative measures that may have wayward artists giving their trade a second thought.

“We’re working with Big Spring Crimestoppers now to try to get some of the people that know who did this to come forward,” said Darden. “We’re also looking at some new surveillance equipment, including night vision cameras for these areas. The city takes this very seriously.”

Anyone with information regarding these cases of vandalism can call Crimestoppers 263-TIPS (8477) or 264-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous and no caller identification is ever used.


Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at citydesk@bigspringherald.com.