More than two months after vandals forced the closure of the Rathborne Park playground, repairs remain on hold because persistent summer rain has prevented contractors from fixing the damaged rubber surface.
Francesca Blanchard, a parish spokesperson, said the contractor needs three consecutive days of dry weather to complete the repairs.
“We know this closure has been frustrating for residents who love Rathborne Park, and we appreciate everyone’s patience,” she said.
Blanchard said the parish cannot provide a firm reopening date for the playground at this time.
She said the situation is a reminder that vandalism has real consequences for the community.
“This not only caused damage to one of our public parks but also prevents residents from safely enjoying amenities they help support,” she said. “We look forward to reopening Rathborne Park as soon as repairs are completed.”
Residents first noticed barricades around the playground in early May. The Parks and Recreation Department said they will be removed once the repairs are finished.
Residents are encouraged to use the playgrounds at Monsanto Park and West Bank Bridge Park until repairs are completed.
The repair work comes amid a string of vandalism incidents at Rathborne Park in recent months.
On May 5, the Parks and Recreation Department posted a photo online of vandalism in the park’s restroom. Photos showed a toilet paper dispenser ripped from the wall and dirt in the sink. The vandalism occurred a week after the restroom was professionally cleaned. The park’s restroom was also vandalized in December, with Silly String covering the walls and restroom stalls.
In April, a visitor at Rathborne Park discovered feces smeared on the walls, toilet and urinal, along with damage to the vents in the men’s restroom.
The Parks and Recreation Department said it’s working to install more surveillance cameras.
In a statement, the department said vandalism impacts the entire community.
“It takes away from the safe, clean spaces we work hard to provide for our residents,” the statement read. “We ask everyone to take pride in our parks and help us keep them clean, safe and enjoyable for all. If you see something, say something.”
Although the playground remains closed, the rest of Rathborne Park is open to visitors.