A community facility at a Wichita park has been closed until late fall because of two rounds of vandalism that have occurred this summer.

The city’s recreation superintendent, Reggie Davidson, said the facility at Hyde Park had windows broken over the July 4th weekend and the air conditioning unit was damaged to the point where it could no longer be used.   Davidson said the damage was repaired and the unit was replaced on August 8th, only to be vandalized again within 24 hours.

The cost of the damage and repairs is estimated to be $65,000.   Davidson said this affects community usage of the facility and puts additional costs on the city.   He said the Park and Recreation Department is working with police and looking at the possibility of getting security cameras installed.    He’s calling on people with any information on the vandalism to call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111.

Mayor Brandon Whipple said vandalism incidents like this affect the entire community, including parents and children who benefit from programs offered at the parks.  He said these incidents are not a reflection of the community, and there are many people who use and respect the parks.