Abby Nadeau
Staff Writer

Two Forest Lake parks were vandalized last week, costing the Park board at least $2450 in damage and putting the skate parkís future in jeopardy.

Over the last two weeks Park board coordinator Renae Reedy said that two benches were stripped from their concrete pads at the Lakeside Memorial Park, while the Skate park had two significant events with adolescents.

ìWe had a group of adolescents who turned over a port-a-potty,î Reedy said. ìWe also had reports of a fight that broke out at the park.

ìA local business woman saw the fight and thought one of the kids might really get hurt so she called the police and then shouted at the group. By the time the police showed up the group had dispersed.î

The incidents have caused Reedy to question how long the park board can keep it open.

ìIím not shutting it down now, but it will be up for consideration at the next park board meeting,î Reedy said. ìWe could end up closing the skate park for the whole summer.î

Reedy stated that because police officers canít be in all places at once, she is asking for neighboring residents to call regarding suspicious activity.

ìThese events seem to happen right after school gets out,î Reedy said. ìIf people happen to be around they could report anything suspicious to the police.î

Lakeside Park

Two benches were taken from around the playground area of the newly remodeled Lakeside Memorial Park.

ìThe benches are bolted down to the concrete, we thought they were secure,î Reedy said. ìBut I guess weíll now have to weld them down.î

Reedy couldnít explain what someone would do with the benches, but suspects it has something to do with the cost for scrap metal.

The Park board is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the recovery of the benches.

ìWe want people to have pride for their parks,î Reedy said. ìBecause the police canít always be there weíre asking the neighbors not to hesitate calling the police if they see suspicious activity.î

The public can leave anonymous tips at the Forest Lake Police department by calling 651-464-5877.

Any further questions can be directed to Renae Reedy at 651-209-9723.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605