Vandergrift to install cameras at Kennedy Park in attempt to stop vandalism, littering
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Vandergrift officials plan to install surveillance cameras in the borough’s Kennedy Park in attempt to stop ongoing vandalism there.
Council recently approved installing video cameras in the park. The $1,200 cost will be covered through a donation by Vandergrift resident and longtime parks volunteer Anthony Guerrera.
“My goal is to identify individuals causing habitual problems,” said Councilman John Uskuraitis, who is the borough’s parks, pool and recreation chairman.
Guerrera, who owns the Vandergrift-based A&A Carpet Cleaning, said he thinks “people will feel safe to bring kids here if we have cameras. I just want to see kids use the park.”
Uskuraitis said the vandal or vandals have been throwing rocks onto the stage roof, removing bricks from the stage’s foundation and littering.
In one recent incident, the councilman reported that the organizer of an Easter egg hunt at the park contacted him because someone had littered the park with more than 100 unused condoms.
“It’s to the point where our borough streets and sanitation guys are cleaning almost daily,” Uskuraitis said.
Borough officials plan to install the video cameras throughout the park and borough police will have 24/7 access to the footage.
Uskuraitis said violators will be prosecuted, but he hopes the cameras will act as a deterrent.
Vandergrift resident Michelle Hawkins, 30, a mother of two young children, said she frequents the park and welcomes the surveillance.
“We need to keep the park clean and share it,” she said.
Hawkins said she often takes a bag with her to the park to pick up litter.
Vandals also have damaged portions of the wire fence surrounding one of the baseball fields. The field hasn’t been used for league play in years, and council recently approved removing the fence.
“It will be an open field,” Uskuraitis said.
A skate park at Kennedy also has remained closed because children had been riding their bikes there instead of skateboards. Plans are underway to replace some broken sections of the skate park and reopen it for skaters.
A grass volleyball court, in memory of local educator and volleyball coach Ellen Toy, also is in the works and Uskuraitis plans to submit a proposal at the May council meeting.
The tennis courts, long neglected and unused, have been transformed into a hockey deck, and two new benches await spectators.
Four custom park benches recently were installed at the hockey and basketball courts. Guerrera is spearheading the bench placements, and anyone can purchase one for $306. He said each bench can be inscribed with a dedication.
“I have one in memory of my mom and dad’s families,” he said. “I grew up two blocks from Kennedy Park. When we were young, Vandergrift was a great place to grow up and we played football and basketball there from dusk until dawn.”
To purchase a bench, contact the borough office at 724-567-7818.