The Item reported earlier this week that several facilities were vandalized at Friendship Park including the restrooms. The damage consisted of toilet paper dispensers being torn off the walls inside the women’s restroom and ripped off LED exit signs in the men’s restroom.

But the damage didn’t stop there.

Vulgar words were spray painted on the concession stand, press box, bleachers, light pole and fence posts.

It’s sad to see some individuals in the community would attempt to destroy public property in the city of Picayune.

Picayune’s Director of Parks and Recreation Trevor Adam said during an interview in December that the park is very valuable, bringing in large sporting events that, in turn, boost the local economy.

As citizens of this community, we should appreciate our parks and landmarks, and work together to beautify the city, rather than tear up the facilities so many have worked hard to establish. The city’s officials are working hard to increase the quality of life in Picayune and their efforts shouldn’t be sullied with spray paint. All the parks, including Friendship Park, were designed to provide families with a safe, outdoor space where they could spend time together and play sports close to home instead of having to drive to another city.

The city is hoping to increase security in the near future in the area of Friendship Park in order to deter vandalism from happening again.

While vandalism occurs in all cities, we shouldn’t neglect or damage public facilities so they can last for generations to come.