Recent reports of graffiti and trash have caused for an increase of surveillance for a city park.

Vandalism at Covered Bridge Park was a topic of discussion during August’s City Council meeting. Talks about recent damage at the park took place during the special events portion of the agenda while members approved a handful of events, some taking place at Covered Bridge Park.

According to City Manager Daniel Estes during the meeting, a round of pressure washing to the stage helped ease a recent incident, but vandalism at the park has become an issue.

Officials are looking to come up with a “reasonable solution” in regards to vandalism at the park, the city manager said. The goal is for the park to stay open for the public at all times but it was mentioned that officials will do what they can to decrease the amount of issues at the park.

While the goal is to bolster up security opportunities at the area, EPD is asking the public to stay vigilant if they come across any suspicious activity at the park.

“We are asking for the public’s assistance in reporting suspicious activity, that’s the main thing,” said EPD Criminal Investigation Commander Shane Darling. “We also have some video cameras in place that officers have access to. We hopefully will have more cameras installed in the near future, but for now having the public report suspicious activity is key.”

Issues of graffiti have been uncommon through the years, according to Parks & Rec Director Mike Mains.

“Up until now, we really didn’t see any graffiti at our parks,” Mains said Monday. “Here recently, the biggest area affected by this is Covered Bridge Park.”

Mains was quick to commend the efforts of EPD and citizens that take the initiative to assist with maintaining the cleanliness of parks across the city.

“I agree completely with Shane’s comments,” Mains said. “We’re definitely asking the public for any help in monitoring this issue. The police department already does a fantastic job. They have so much on their plate, especially with the increase in events that we have. They do so much. Our guys put a lot of work into making sure these parks are in great condition for families of all ages. It is unfortunate that we are having these issues. We just ask that people pick up their trash when they leave a park and to report anything suspicious they may see.”

Mains echoed Estes’ sentiments about city officials working together to come up with a beneficial plan for the park, which has been a focal point of anticipated improvements during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

“We want to keep the stage open at all times for families,” Mains said. “But if this continues to be an issue, we’re going to have to take the steps to make sure the area is taken care of for the public.”

Darling added the department has already increased patrols around Covered Bridge Park.

“We will place criminal charges against anyone caught either in person, or on video,” he said.