Persistent vandalism at the Mancos skate park is becoming a concern for town officials.
"I'm past being angry, I'm just frustrated now," said recreation coordinator Leslie Hopkins at the town hall meeting. "It's a few ruining it for all."
The park has been suffering from graffiti, vandalism to trees and structures, arson, littering, rearrangement of the skate features, and signs being removed or destroyed.
Hopkins said a lot of money and time is spent repairing the skate park. She suggested that removing the ramps and skateboard features for a while would send a message that the town has had enough.
Other board members agreed, but after a discussion it was decided that for now the park's skateboard features will stay.
Mancos Marshal John Cox is focusing on catching the vandals and plans to increase surveillance, including possibly installing cameras.
"I want to catch them and charge them. We've had discussions with kids about the problem, and that if it does not stop it will be closed down," Cox said.
When the skate-park features are rearranged it leaves bolts sticking up, creating a safety hazard.
"I've been telling them if you want a different configuration, talk to the town about it," Cox said.
The skate park is supposed to be closed from dusk to dawn, but the rule is ignored. The town gets complaints from residents about noise at the park, especially at night.
"Putting a fence around it and locking it at night would enforce the rules in place, and make it easier to catch offenders," suggested town trustee James Maestas.
"If we take it away, then kids might stand up to their friends and tell them to leave it alone," added Trustee Queenie Barz.
Town trustee Matthew Baskin preferred an offensive approach, suggesting a welder be used to fortify the structures.
"If we take it a way, the 13-year-olds win, and they will migrate their activities to another area," he said.
It was decided to give the marshal's plan to step up enforcement more time to solve the problem.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com