BEAUMONT, Texas — The City of Beaumont got a harsh blow after it was discovered that Charlton-Pollard Park was vandalized.
City workers found the damage Wednesday morning. Ward 3 Councilman Audwin Samuel believes the damage could cost $25,000.
The park was newly renovated and reopened back in February.
A lot of residents living near the park were excited to have brand new amenities in their backyard. But now, they're back to square one.
"All I could do was cry. We fought very hard to get some new things in our park, amenities that were needed," said Sheryl Jackson.
Jackson and Torey Bruce were shocked to see the damage left behind at Charlton-Pollard Park.
"They destroyed something beautiful. I feel robbed. I feel angry. Why? What I don't understand is everything that was destroyed was brand new. Somebody knew exactly what to do and it wasn't a child," Jackson said.
The City of Beaumont tells 12News someone drove over the splash pad, ripped water fountains out of the wall and damaged a park bench and four trashcans.
The hand driers and soap dispensers were even ripped from the wall of the men's bathroom.
"They ran in and took all the light fixtures down," said Jackson.
Chris Jones says he wants to see the city and Beaumont Police Department install cameras connected to the new Real-Time Crime Center.
"This is not the first time. If we had the same access as the hike and bike trail, we would eliminate these types of actions that are happening in our park over, and over, and over again," Jones said.
Samuel says he was dismayed at the extent of the damage and believes it will cost thousands of dollars.
"It was a lot of damage done. Very expensive. As I understand it, close to probably $25,000," Samuel said.
He says he wants to join Councilman Mike Getz in a push for cameras in every city park.
"Anything would help deter. We need to have cameras in all of our parks so that anyone doing something like this will have to deal with the consequences," said Samuel.
"In order to keep our equipment safe we're going to have to have cameras," Jackson said.
BPD confirmed to 12News that a police report for criminal mischief was was filed as of Thursday morning.