A lovely spot to rest and listen to the birds calling from nearby trees has been destroyed by vandals and one neighbour wonders why it had to happen.
Richard Parkinson, who has lived in Citadel Heights for 15 years, has watched in recent weeks the slow destruction of a wooden gazebo and hoped a letter to The Tri-City News would spur action.
But by the weekend, the gazebo was so badly destroyed by fire and smeared axle grease that it had to be taken down by the city of Port Coquitlam.
"It was such a quaint little spot in a nice little neighbourhood," said Parkinson, who likes to walk the hillside park every day with its view of Citadel Heights, graceful trees and native plants.
Sadly, it appears the vandals won this round, destroying the gazebo that topped the hill since the subdivision was constructed. Rebuilt five years ago, according to city parks manager Todd Gross, there is no certainty it will reconstructed now at a cost of $3,000 if vandals are still active in the area.
"We're going to assess the situation and see if the activity continues," Gross said, noting that Vandal Watch patrols will be stepped up and some trees will be pruned to improve sight lines.
Gross also encourages neighbours to join Vandal Watch, which operates in partnership with School District 43. The anonymous 24/7 tip line gives neighbours a way of reporting acts of vandalism or rowdy behaviour, which is often a precursor to vandalism.
As soon as a call comes in to Vandal Watch, security personnel are dispatched to the scene to investigate and, when necessary, police are called.
The program is ideal for people who live near schools, parks, community centres and public spaces and for existing groups such as parent advisory councils, neighbourhood groups and Adopt-a-Spot participants.
Gross said no one even called to complain to the city that the destruction was taking place at Citadel Park and he urged Port Coquitlam residents to call in future when they see destruction so it can be repaired by city crews.
Meanwhile, the city has its hands full cleaning up after a long, cold winter and damp spring and is weeks behind in its lawn cutting. But the hiring of seasonal labour, bringing the city works crew up to 40 people, should help to get park landscapes in top shape for the summer.
• There is no cost to participate in Vandal Watch; to learn more or sign up, email vandalwatch@portcoquitlam.ca or visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/vandalwatch.
