Boise, April 26, 2012
- Reports to Boise Police of vandalism and other problems in
Redwood Park have increased dramatically in the past two years.
Despite extra patrols by officers,
neighbors continue to call police reporting problems including
vandalism, suspicious activity and juveniles in the park past
curfew.
"Redwood Park is a beautiful park where
people come to enjoy themselves. It's a shame that some
through their actions have lost respect for that vision," said
Boise Police Neighborhood Contact Officer Kelly Montoya.
"Our goal is to take a pro-active approach to these ongoing
problems, using a variety of resources while working hand in hand
with neighbors tokeep the park a safe, welcoming place for
family and friends to enjoy." said Officer Montoya.
Redwood Park- 2010 & 2011
- 2675 N Shamrock Ave.
- 152 calls for police service.
- More than $6,000 vandalism damage.
Majority of calls for police service
include:
- Suspicious Vehicles
- Suspicious Persons & Juvenile Problems (curfew is
midnight to 5:00 a.m)
- Drug activity
- Vandalism including graffiti, damaged trees and playground
equipment, gargage and miscellaneous items being dumped into the
pond. A motorcycle was found discarded in the pond last
weekend.
- Assaults
- Illegal Shooting, primarily at the ducks that frequent the
park's pond
Neighborhood Contact Officer Montoya has met with nearby
residents about plans to combat what residents see as problems in
the park. Those plans include starting a Neighborhood Watch,
enlisting other city resources like Parks, School Resource and
patrol officers in discussions, educating neighbors about being
watchful for suspicious activity and ensuring
suspicious activity is immediately reported to police.
Crime Stoppers:
To reduce these incidents, officers are urging anyone with
information on who may be behind destructive and illegal activities
in the park to contact Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers offers a
reward of up to
$1,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers for information
leading to the arrest of criminal suspects involved in activities
like those described above. A citizen can remain anonymous. Contact
Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS, or log onto www.343cops.com,
or text CRIMES or 274637, subject: Tip236.
About Redwood Park:
Redwood Park is a 7-acre neighborhood park located near Ustick
Road between North Five Mile and Cloverdale in West Boise. The
park features open green space, a walking path, fishing pond,
picnic benches and a playground. The playground was completed
in 2007 with funds provided by the Mayor's Neighborhood
Reinvestment Grant program.
The park was purchased by Boise City in 1994 from Cloverdale
Nursery with the understanding that the land would be developed
into a neighborhood park. This park is one of seven sites
selected for a one-year dog off-leash pilot program in
the City of Boise. A section of the park has been designated for
off-leash use during specified hours.
Fore more, go to: http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/ParksAndFacilities/Parks/page16113.aspx