Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 7/13/2022
EAST LONGMEADOW – On July 11, Reminder Publishing received word from a member of the public that playground equipment at Heritage Park had been vandalized with graffiti.
East Longmeadow Police Officer Michael Calcasola walked the playground and took note of the half a dozen spots that had been defaced. Police Chief Mark Williams said when graffiti happens, “We use what’s available to us to try to figure it out,” but “it’s hard to stop someone with a can of spray paint.” There is often a delay in reporting these property crimes to the police, which makes tracking down the time of the defacement problematic. Williams added that Calcasola said the paint looked as though it may be old, although this was the first time it was reported.
The park, located on North Main Street in East Longmeadow, includes a sports field, pond, pavilion and dog park. The playground is situated behind the field, furthest from the street. While there is an access gate in the parking lot directly before the playground that can be locked, the open nature of the park allows people to walk into the playground on foot.
Because this behavior happens “under the cover of night,” Williams said, “improving physical security and lighting,” as well as cameras, are the best steps to deter vandalism.
Town Manager Mary McNally said her office had only been aware of vandalism at the portable toilets at the park some time ago and had not received notice of any other vandalism. When told of the graffiti, Deputy Director of Recreation Jessica Stacy commented, “That’s not common. No, that’s not something we see at our parks and recreation areas in town.”
Bobbi Jo Galazka “It’s unfortunate that someone would do that.” Galazka was picnicking with her family. This was her first time visiting the park.
Kellyann King and Shane King sat in the gazebo with their infant son while the couple’s other children played on the equipment. “This is our favorite park,” she said.
Shane agreed: “I came here when I was a kid. We bring our kids now. It’s our family park.” He said the park “used to be very well maintained,” but pointed out broken pieces of equipment and said now there is graffiti. He added, “Honestly, it makes me mad. When kids see [graffiti] they think it’s okay to do, and it’s not.”