By Foster Guns, Staff Writer
The bell rings, you leap up from your seat, run to get your skateboard and head over to Aviation Park as fast as you can. Surprisingly, someone else is already there. Little do you know the stranger hanging out at the picnic table is an undercover police officer for the Kill Devil Hills Police Department.
“We’ve had an increase in incidents of damage, vandalism and disturbances at the park that have been reported to us,” said Captain John Towler of the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. “Initially, there was an effort to take some more passive approaches like closing the bathrooms and putting up a few more signs, but that has not worked.”
The recent uptick in issues at Aviation Park worried Towler and prompted a change in hopes of preventing more damage from being done. The department is sending out officers in uniform as well as plain clothing to observe the park and stop any rule or law breaking.
“Now, the police department is going to be over there with officers taking a bit more proactive approach toward the problems,” Towler said. “They’re going to be looking for violations. State law, town code, which is laws within KDH, and then there are park rules that they will also enforce. For example, the playground area is designated for playground equipment and is for kids that are under 12.”
Another violation the police will be looking for includes the use of nicotine and tobacco. Vaping or smoking on the premises is strictly prohibited.
“Hopefully we will get rid of the people that are causing the problems, or the people that are causing the problems will change their behavior and become good citizens,” Towler said.
Freshman Herbert Robles has noticed the increase in police officers and witnessed the change they have brought.
“All the kids who caused the damage don’t go there anymore,” Robles said.
The reputation given to the park goers has annoyed Robles and others such as junior Peyton Harris.
“It’s kind of annoying because, obviously I’m not like that, but I don’t really care,” Harris said. “I just wonder if people watch and people judge me that way.”
Robles echoed similar feelings. “People look at me weird and I don’t like it.”
The damage brought about by the vandalism is extensive and has cost the town thousands of dollars. This money comes out of the town’s budget and, ultimately, Dare County taxpayers’ wallets.
Scott Baxley is the Town of KDH Building Maintenance Supervisor. His job includes taking care of the park and cleaning up the vandalism. Despite working with the town for years, this is some of the worst vandalism Baxley has seen.
“The damage is anywhere from doors kicked in, sinks broken off the wall, dispensers ripped off the wall, plumbing being broken, or graffiti,” Baxley said.
The recent vandalism is what Baxley thinks prompted the police presence.
“The fact that we have to replace a door that will cost $2,000 and having to close restrooms at times when the public can’t use them has definitely required police presence,” Baxley said.
Recently, one of the many assailants has recently been caught, according to Towler. The individual is a student at First Flight Middle School.
“The case has been referred to the Juvenile Court Counselor for consideration. Due to the individual’s status as a juvenile, no identifying information can be released,” read the Town of KDH Police Department news release.
“The frustration is lack of respect for a public facility because it hurts a lot of people that use the facility,” Baxley said. “It’s also added work and expense that is not needed.”
Sophomore Foster Guns can be reached at 24gunsfo54@daretolearn.org.
