The Reading Police Department is investigating a recent incident of vandalism at a northwest Reading park.
Police were alerted to the vandalism after posts showing damage to the basketball court at Baer Park spread on social media.
The damage includes tire tracks left by a vehicle on the recently resurfaced basketball court.
One of the pads used to protect players from impact with the pole during play also was slashed.
It was unclear if the incidents were related.
The basketball court was renovated last year at a cost of $180,000, split between the Lonnie Walker IV Foundation and the city.
The project included new court flooring, backboards and player seating.
A Reading High School graduate and NBA player, Walker grew up just a short walk from the park.
“Baer Park was my sanctuary,” he said in June 2023 during a dedication ceremony in the park. “Whether there was violence, whether I was stressing out, whether it was a hard time, good time, great time. No matter what position or no matter what I was in, I always came back to Baer Park.”
Mayor Eddie Moran said he was deeply disappointed by the vandalism.
“It’s disheartening to see a lack of respect for public spaces meant for everyone’s enjoyment,” the mayor said in a release. “We are committed to maintaining our parks and are exploring options to enhance security, including the possibility of gating or fencing the courts to prevent future incidents.”
Guccimane Nice, 17, was on the court with friends Tuesday afternoon as he is most days. The group felt sad when they saw the damage, he said.
“I don’t know who would come here and ruin a beautiful court,” Nice said. “As young men, we come here to play here. This is our community park. Who would want to mess it up?”
Fortunately, the marks left by the vehicle appear to have damaged the appearance more than the actual surface, he said, but it still angers him.
“It’s a newly refurbished park and now somebody wrecked it,” he said.
At the other end of the court, brothers Luis and Lance Rivera shot baskets with a group of neighborhood friends. They, too, were disheartened by the vandalism.
Luis, 14, said the track marks look like those made by a type of ATV known as a side-by-side.
Those who damage public property do not think about the consequences to others, Lance, 11, said.
“They only did this for personal satisfaction,” he said.
Friends Hector White, 14, and Isac Borrilez, 17, agreed.
“It’s people who don’t play at the park that vandalize it,” Borrilez said.
City Council President Donna Reed also expressed her outrage at the incident on social media.
“Some clearly mindless, heartless and soulless vandals destroyed the surface of the Lonnie Walker Foundation-sponsored basketball court at Baer Park,” she posted.
But the vandals did not destroy the spirit of the youth honing their skills on the court Tuesday afternoon, she said.
“Know something? Then say something,” she said. “Tips to Crime Alert Berks remain anonymous and the tipster could receive a substantial reward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Reading police at 610-655-6116 or Crime Alert Berks at 877-373-9913.
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment