Vandalism Leads To Monterey Limiting Whittaker Park Facilities

The town of Monterey has indefinitely closed Whittaker Park’s bathroom facilities after multiple acts of vandalism.

Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the action was taken to protect the park’s facilities.

“Give us some time to figure out what we need to do to address what has been reoccurring vandalism,” Cleary said. “Not only at the restroom facility, but at the entire park in general.”

Cleary said someone has purposely ripped down soap and paper towel dispensers even after Monterey made replacements. Cleary said the town is considering locking the bathrooms and only making it available for events.

“We have caught some folks before,” Cleary said. “It is well equipped with a camera system over at Whittaker Park. Last year, we had some folks that were caught and did some community service, so that is an option.”

Cleary said at this time, the town does not have a suspect. Damages have also been made to the splash pad, amphitheater and playground in what has been a reoccurring problem, Cleary said.

“We have to remember that Monterey utilizes Putnam County Parks and Recreation in a maintenance agreement,” Cleary said. “They are spending time and money to upkeep that park facility for Monterey, and it just gets vandalized.”