The publicly accessible Playbox at Centennial Park is closed indefinitely.
Community Special Events Programmer Karen Chappell says the decision comes after repeated vandalism events, as well as materials being stolen.
“Things have been going missing since the beginning of summer when we first put the box back in the park,” Chappell said.
She says people have been peeling the wrap off the box.
“I have been going up there on a regular basis and rubber cementing it back on so that people can still read the phone number. We had some expensive volleyballs and basketballs go missing, all the tennis rackets have gone missing and the latest thing is they’ve taken the lock. And this is the second time they’ve taken the lock.”
Each item costs a lot, amounting to around $350 to stock each box.
Besides things being taken, Chappell adds people have been using the box in other ways.
“People are throwing their garbage in the box. They’re just not showing any respect at all.”
Chappell says they’re re-evaluating whether or not they want to keep the box at Centennial Park.
She says there was an incident with the Playbox at Ostler Park last week as well.
“Someone decided to use it as a bathroom. We had to remove all the toys, sanitize the box, bring the toys back to the community centre, sanitize the toys, and then I put them all back in again.”
Chappell says the recurring incidents have made her feel defeated, but she’s choosing to be optimistic about the situation.
“I’m thinking if the public becomes aware that this is happening with the boxes, that there’ll be maybe you know, more eyes on them and that may be helpful,” she said.
The Playbox is still at the park. Chappell says she and other partners will decide on what to do with it in a meeting next week.
