Picayune city officials will soon be implementing more precautionary measures at Friendship Park in response to an act of vandalism.
On Jan. 25 at 8:03 a.m., officers with the Picayune Police Department were dispatched to Friendship Park in reference to a report of vandalism to park facilities, Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.
After speaking with Picayune Parks and Recreation Director Trevor Adam, law enforcement officers concluded that the vandalism throughout the park occurred sometime during the weekend.
Adam said there was damage to the both restrooms. In the men’s restroom, the LED exits signs were ripped off and in the women’s restroom, the toilet paper dispensers were torn off the walls. Trash and toilet paper were strewn everywhere, Adam said.
The ballfield’s light pole, the bleachers, the press box, fence posts and the concession stand had vulgar words spray painted on them, Adam said.
Adam said they have a couple of security cameras installed at the park and are now researching the cost of adding more.
The park will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, at closing, the gates will be locked, Adam said. Anyone who wishes to utilize the park after 9 p.m. will need to contact Adam at City Hall.
“Because of a few bad seeds, we have to take more cautionary measures,” Adam said. “We’ve done upgrades and improvements and want to keep on improving the quality of life. We don’t want to ruin it for the good people who go there and do it the right way, but these measures need to be taken. We want to protect the quality of life here in Picayune, grow for a better future and make sure the people have a place to go to enjoy it.”
At this time, the case is still under investigation and anyone who has information is asked to contact the Picayune Police Department at 601-798-7411 or the Pearl River County Crimestoppers at 601-799-CLUE (2583), Magri said.