The city of Jamestown is calling on residents to assist in addressing an increase in vandalism affecting city parks and public spaces.

In recent weeks, city staff have responded to numerous destructive incidents including the theft of flowers from decorative planters, vandalism to playground equipment and the deliberate damaging of park infrastructure, malicious destruction of toilets, urinals, mirrors, partitions, pipes, and hand dryers in public restrooms, tampering with electrical outlets, posing severe risks of injury or fire, removal of bolts, cables, and structural components from public infrastructure–an act that threatens public safety, spray-paint graffiti on city buildings, signs and public surfaces, theft of plaques and historical markers, stripping the community of meaningful public heritage, destruction of benches, pavilions, trash receptacles, and other site amenities intended for public enjoyment and widespread trashing of parks and restrooms, including the deliberate spreading of garbage and toilet paper.

“These senseless acts of vandalism are not only damaging and disrespectful – they are dangerous,” said Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “Tampered infrastructure, broken plumbing, and scattered debris pose serious hazards, particularly for children and families who rely on our parks to be safe and clean.”

The damage comes at a direct cost to Jamestown taxpayers. The continual need to replace or repair vandalized property strains the city’s limited financial resources, pulling funding away from long-term improvements and routine maintenance that benefit the entire community.

Ecklund said the city Parks Department has spent hours cleaning up and restoring damaged areas.

“We are incredibly grateful to our parks staff,” Ecklund said. “They take great pride in their work and care deeply about the quality of life in Jamestown. It is heartbreaking to see that work repeatedly undone by senseless behavior.”

Anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious activity can report it to the Jamestown Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line at 716-483-7536.

Vandalism of public amenities was a regular occurrence in 2024 as well. Last spring City Council members discussed damage to some of the colored lights along the Riverwalk. Councilman Randy Daversa, R-At Large, said he was fishing in the Chadakoin River when he noticed some teenagers vandalizing the lights. In August 2024 Ecklund said she had been approached by members of the Parks Department saying there had been a series of thefts of historical plaques within the city. The historical plaques that had gone missing from the Fenton History Center, behind the National Comedy Center and some from a property on Harrison Street.

“I’ve been made aware by both Mark and Dan from the parks that we have had a series of stolen markers across the city, historical markers,” Ecklund said during an August council meeting. “Not the big ones on the poles but the ones such as on rocks, more plaques.”