Friday August 31, 2012

SAXTONS RIVER -- The Saxtons River Recreational Area earlier this month was once again vandalized, prompting the committee overseeing it to hold a meeting to discuss financing a system to deter any more hooliganism.

It was the second such case in a month.

The Vermont State Police are investigating the most recent incident -- which Trooper Brian Berry said occurred between Wednesday, Aug. 8, and Thursday, Aug. 9 -- authorities have no suspects at this time. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Berry at 802-875-2112.

The latest case involved an unknown person gaining forcible entry into the storage shed at the recreation area, causing extensive damage to the door lock, according to police.

Damage was reportedly caused to a picnic table, a diving board step (which was broken in half) and a barbecue grill was removed. Berry said the front gate was found locked and the perpetrators were likely young locals.

The rec area is a 15-acre facility on Pleasant Valley Road, which connects Saxtons River and Vermont Route 103. It features a pond, baseball field, softball field and basketball court.

Chris Moore, chairman of the Saxtons River Recreational Area Committee, said motion lights and surveillance cameras were discussed at the meeting held soon after the damage was done. All committee members agreed that added security was necessary but funds to make it happen would have to be generated.

The committee

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has organized a community yard sale for the recreational area, which is funded by donations and not taxpayer dollars, on Saturday to help raise the money.

Moore said people can pay $10 to set up tables and sell items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gate will open at 7 a.m. so sellers can get prepared. He said there will also be a bake sale and barbecue food for sale. He said C&S Wholesale Grocers has donated 120 burger patties.

The rain date for the event is Sunday.

Moore said the figure of $3,000 was thrown out at the meeting but no solid number needed to make any purchases has been determined.

Committee Vice Chair Samantha Fletcher previously told the Reformer the area was acquired by the town about a year ago and the committee informally started on Tuesday, July 17.

Moore said it is disappointing that anyone would vandalize the area but mentioned there is a history of it happening there.

"I think some kids have some misdirected energy," he said.

Domenic Poli can be reached at dpoli@reformer.com, or 802-254-2311, ext. 277.