<I>The Eagle/Angel Carpenter</I><BR>Because the panes are made of a special kind of glass, they will cost at least $100 each, including labor, to replace.

JOHN DAY – City police have stepped up their patrols around Gleason Pool and John Day City Park since vandals hit that area in early May.

Windows were damaged by thrown rocks around the girls bathroom and dressing area. One of the little windows was completely knocked out, three were badly damaged and about 16 more were badly cracked.

Two adolescents were caught inside the closed pool area and are now working with the juvenile department.

Teri Arnall, who is the office and pool manager and has worked with Parks and Rec for more than six years, said that because the panes are made of a special kind of glass they will cost at least $100 each, including labor, to replace.

“The pool is not a moneymaker,” Arnall said.

Funds that come in through pool passes and lessons are used for the upkeep of the pool; numbers of youth signing up have declined this year. Since Parks and Rec is at the end of its fiscal year, the department doesn’t have enough money to make the repairs. It plans to put up a temporary band-aid – painted plywood.

“Unless if someone steps up to help and people say a lot of prayers it may not get fixed until next year,” Arnall said.

Taller fences are being installed around the pool. Damage to the pool and park bathrooms is taking away from other repairs that need to be made, Arnall said.

In both park bathrooms, which were built about three years ago, vandals tore off the toilet-paper holders, there is a burn mark on the women’s bathroom wall and there has been evidence of smoking and drinking.

The suggestion was made to lock the bathrooms at night, but the vandals put epoxy glue in the locks.

The toilet-paper holders have been replaced with metal ones bolted to the wall.

Parks and Rec has taken a “no tolerance” position on vandalism, so those caught will be subject to fines and community service.

“More than anything, Parks and Rec would love to see the community support the pool to keep it open,” Arnall said. “We want it to be a safe, family place.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism at the park and pool, may call the city police at 575-0030.