Brand new dog park vandalized in Desert Hot Springs
The debut on Saturday morning of the new, and only, dog park in Desert Hot Springs brought cheers of excitement. Come Monday, it was a different story.
“Unfortunately, we did have vandalism here at the park, directly on the heels of the grand opening,” city management analyst, Doria Wilms, told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner.
#Vandalism at new #DesertHotSprings dog park that opened on Sat. What city is saying 2nite on @KESQ @LocalTwo pic.twitter.com/ZhpiCmXpum
— Katie Widner CBSL2 (@KWidnerCBSL2) July 10, 2017 Sometime over the weekend, someone drove a vehicle onto the grass at Rotary Park, gouging tire tracks and leaving holes and divots. There was also some slight damage to one of the facility’s trash cans.
Locals said they were not surprised, but were disappointed.
“It doesn’t surprise me because those kind of things happen everywhere,” said Cheryl Purchase and Ernie Yanez, whose dog, Willie, was enjoying the park.
“People just need to respect public property,” said Desmond Goff, owner of a dog named Montana. “This is for everybody.”
The city said it was exploring its options to preserve the $60,000 park that had been six years in the making.
“I know one of the things that has been discussed has been putting some boulders there at the front of the property to deter people from driving on here,” Wilms added.
While city officials called it “disheartening,” they said it won’t stop the city’s forward progression.
“We’re continuing to bring these projects forward for our community, because they are asking for them,” Wilms said.
According to Wilms, a second dog park is set to open next year and the crime rate is down 18 percent. Locals said they will not let one person spoil the fun for them, or their pets.
The park, located at 13239 Don English Way, is still open for visitors.
Report issues by calling the city at 760-329-6411, ex. 260.
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