Vandalism Closes Cookeville Skate Park

Vandalism over the weekend has prompted Cookeville Leisure Services to close the new Park View Skate Park until further notice.

Obscenities were spray painted inside the mens restroom and on concrete outside. Damage also done to the bathroom. A trash can was removed from its base and trash thrown across the park.

“It’s not about the expense, it’s about the behavior that is concerning and that is inconvenienced other users and our staff in terms of trying to keep it nice and appealing and attractive and usable for everyone,” Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said.

Woods said vandalism has occurred before at the park.

With schools out, the park has been a popular place over the past week. However, Woods said users were not practicing good social distancing. That also played a role in the decision to shut the park down.

Skateboarding is prohibited at other city parks.