Oct. 2, 2002 – Energy-efficient sports lights at the Estate Glynn basketball court have fallen prey to vandalism, Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said Wednesday. He said crews have had to repair the lights three times.
Individuals repeatedly "smash the lights and pull the wires out," he said.
Hobson estimated the repairs will cost between $10,000 and $30,000.
The problem occurs because the lights are on timers, he said, and those using the facility want to play after the timers have shut the lights off.
Hobson called on residents to stop tampering with the Estate Glynn lights as well as to stop damaging the infrastructure at other Housing Parks and Recreation Department facilities. "The continued destruction," he said, "makes it difficult for the department to provide the attention needed to other facilities." Funds intended for improvements at other public recreation facilities must be diverted to make the repairs, he said.
Hobson said the lights are set to go on at 7 p.m. and off at 10 p.m. He said each box has a notice indicating that Roy Canton should be called at 773-0160 in the Housing Parks and Recreation office if there is a problem.
The department is in the midst of repairing various St. Croix recreational facilities, he said. The work includes resurfacing basketball, tennis and volleyball courts at Fort Frederik, Campo Rico and Mon Bijou; installing and repairing lighting on the courts and at softball and soccer fields; installing new sewer pumps; painting the Rudy Krigger Complex; and constructing a bleacher shelter and installing new playground equipment at the Renholdt Jackson Complex.
Hobson said his department also is planning work at the Burning Bush Recreation Center and the D.C. Canegata Ballpark.
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