Although much of the recent damage has been removed, Cambridge City police, council and residents are upset, and they want to prevent future vandalism to Creitz Park’s new playground equipment.
There are several ideas on how to help.
What happened? On Sunday, May 11, Cambridge City Police Department shared pictures of graffiti on Creitz Park rides, slides, welcome signs and a miniature police car. Some of the writing at 127 N. Foote St. included references to the “Black Jackets.”
Follow the money: Last year, more than $50,000 was raised through local donations to earn a $50,000 state match. In-kind donations also helped add equipment and build accessible walkways.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate and thank donors took place in April.
Reactions: CCPD’s social media post received more than 230 angry or negative reactions and about 120 comments. Though the age of the vandals has not been established, some comments noted a need for more parental discipline, security cameras or activities for youth. A few suggested that once they’re caught, the vandals should have to clean up graffiti and/or pick up trash throughout the summer.
Officers said it was heartbreaking to see playground equipment for residents and visitors being damaged by thoughtless actions, and that it was built for children, not criminal mischief.
Chief Richard Roberts said police officers also are upset because they take their own children to play at that park. He said CCPD is investigating tips it has received.
Past damage: At the town’s regularly scheduled council meeting on Monday, May 12, councilor Jim King said the graffiti included the same symbol previously seen in other locations around town.
Council president Jim McLane said graffiti had previously been added and removed from the new slide earlier this year.
For the past two years, vandals have done increasingly serious damage to the fire department’s fundraising Christmas lights displays in Creitz Park, cutting cords, damaging bulbs and even dumping some of the expensive scenes in the river.
The playground damage occurred also just beyond the fourth anniversary of vandals’ extensive damage to tombstones in the town’s Capitol Hill Cemetery where more than 300 of the town’s earliest citizens, including Civil War and War of 1812 veterans, are buried. No one has been charged in that crime, and police are still seeking public tips. Donors contributed toward the stone restoration, which cost thousands of dollars, and town officials soon began looking at ways to boost the cemetery’s security.
Cameras: Councilors have been gathering quotes to install new cameras, lighting and related internet access in the park. The process has taken longer than they expected since they’re hopeful the work can be linked to a broader technology upgrade for town facilities, offering savings. The town’s cost could be reduced if a grant application submitted to Wayne County Foundation is successful. The cameras are expected to offer night vision capabilities.
Park hours: Spurred by previous Christmas lights vandalism, council amended an ordinance in December so it could close the park until March 1. Exceptions were made for approved events such as the holiday lights and for pedestrians walking through to reach their destination between dawn and dusk, since some students cross through to walk to school.
The current ordinance allows visitors in the park from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. March 1-Oct. 31.
Fire Chief Jeff Gabbard said a lot of the vandalism occurs before 11 p.m.
At the May 12 meeting council discussed modifying park hours in light of the new vandalism, but changing the hours requires amending a town ordinance and updating signage.
Roberts said he would prefer closing the park after dark unless a special event is happening. He said some adults walk through the park before the sun rises, but they aren’t causing problems.
King said he’s concerned about closing public spaces when some people like to walk through the park at night. He would prefer to increase surveillance through cameras and other measures.
No action was taken while council anticipates learning in June if the camera grant was received.
Other ideas: Some town officials suggested additional lighting for shelters, raising awareness that the park’s being watched through patrols and cameras, more community involvement, prosecuting parents if their kids cause damage, and encouraging residents to call police when they see damage occurring.
Tip submission: Roberts said even the smallest detail can make a difference in solving the case, and based on social media comments, he believes some residents have an idea who’s committing the vandalism. Police ask those who saw anything unusual at the park around the date of the vandalism, or those who have knowledge about the damage, to contact them.
Information can be shared at 765-478-1231 or by messaging CCPD on Facebook at facebook.com/CCPDIN/.
A version of this article appeared in the May 21 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.