Woodsfield park now under video surveillance

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Woodsfield City Park is under video surveillance by the Woodsfield Police Department in an effort to deter vandalism.

WOODSFIELD — The City Park is now under constant video surveillance due to continued acts of vandalism over the past few months.

The Woodsfield Police Department announced this past weekend that it has installed a series of cameras throughout the village-owned park and said it will now be monitored through 24-hour surveillance. Police Chief Corey Jones said the cameras were actually installed a few months ago; however, vandalism continues to occur so law enforcement made the announcement in an attempt to halt the acts.

The department contracted a local company, 2020 Vision, to install security cameras at the park and other village-owned properties, Jones said. All village-owned sites are now under video surveillance, he said.

Jones said the system was installed not only to discourage illegal activity but also to help the department apprehend the suspected individuals.

“We’re hoping it deters any future vandalism. That’s why we’re putting out the statement to the public in hopes it deters some of it as well,” he said.

There have been approximately 10 incidents of vandalism over the past several months at the park, including “face damage” and “destructive behavior” to park equipment. Jones said the new pavilion and the new playground equipment have sustained damage as well. Over the past few months, several individuals have been banned indefinitely from the park or criminally charged in connection with the damage, he said.

“The village has zero tolerance for these acts and will continue to be proactive in investigating any further issues in an effort to preserve the park for the community to enjoy,” the department states.

Jones said officers want to ensure the park is an enjoyable place for the residents.

“We just want it to remain a nice place for the community to have a place to go and enjoy with their families — that’s the goal,” he said.

The park is located across the street from the Switzerland of Ohio School Board Office at 304 Mill St. It contains a pavilion, basketball court, ballfields and playground area.