A brand-new community park in Longford has been stripped of its key facilities just months after opening, with vandals forcing the permanent closure of public toilets and barbecue areas.
Northern Midlands Council announced the closures at Laycock Street Park following what it described as “ongoing and deliberate vandalism” that has made the space unsafe and too expensive to maintain.
The triangular park, located between Laycock, Pultney and Wellington Streets, opened in December after three years of planning and construction that began in 2021.
Vandalism has been frequent since, with offenders damaging gates and fencing, targeting the toilet facilities, vandalising the barbecue area and even attacking the new playground equipment.
The park also features basketball and netball rings, a picnic shelter and swing set, which will remain operational.
Council records show the vandalism problem extends beyond Laycock Street Park, with the Northern Midlands region facing mounting repair costs.
Vandalism expenses have reached $37,750 this financial year, a $9,000 increase compared to the same period last year.
“While these actions have come from a few individuals, the whole community now feels the impact,” the council said.
“This park was built as a safe and welcoming space for families. Council shares the community’s disappointment and urges residents to report any suspicious behaviour.”
