Citations in state park vandalism

Over the summer, a rash of vandalism started happening in Hot Springs State Park, including damage to trees, lights taken and wires cut on the Swinging Bridge and damage to the fish feeders.

Park Superintendent Kevin Skates noted two juveniles have been cited for throwing hatchets and knives at the trees around the Big Spring, and during the Gift of the Waters Pageant some juveniles were spotted breaking into the fish feeders and taking the money out. A couple saw the juveniles, he said, and made them return it.

The bridge lights haven’t been tampered with for the past few months, Skates noted, but he encourages people to report any suspicious activity they see in the park.

No matter how small the incident, he said, it still costs time and money to address.