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VANDALISM (CONT' D) <br /> PAGE TWO <br /> The most vulnerable parks are Greenfield and Silver View Parks. <br /> Although "foul play" can be detected by neighboring residents, <br /> apprehension is difficult because of the many access points, trail <br /> systems and size of the park. These parks will undoubtedly be <br /> targets for gross vandalism; security lighting is one way to deter <br /> it. <br /> Three factors seem to be important in curbing vandalism. <br /> 1. Signage - Let everyone know the rules to help enforce by peer <br /> pressure. <br /> 2. Lighting - Keep key areas lit to detract loiterers and <br /> potential vandals. <br /> 3. Keep the Park Beautiful - It has been found that beautiful <br /> areas of parks are vandalized less, such as flower beds, nice <br /> shelters , etc. Run-down parks invite vandalism, the rational is <br /> easier for vandals to harm run-down facilities than beautiful , <br /> maintained facilities. <br /> I think that education is a good tool for prevention of vandalism. <br /> Each year, I am given the opportunity to speak to the ninth grade <br /> Civics class at Irondale High School regarding vandalism in the <br /> parks. Information is given to them on the reasons people may <br /> vandalize. Examples of costs of vandalism are given ( i . e. in 1987 , <br /> $1. 4 million spent on the nations highways to pick up litter) , and <br /> slides of senseless vandalism are shown. They are divided into <br /> groups and given problems (attached) to solve. They must give <br /> reasons for their answers. It is an excellent opportunity to <br /> educate youth in the costs of time, labor, money and loss of <br /> facility usefulness , all due to vandalism. <br />