OKC Park Dedicated To Murrah Bombing Victims Vandalized

The city of Oklahoma City is out tens of thousands of dollars after vandals hit a popular park and playground.

Monday, July 9th 2012, 9:36 pm

By: News 9


The city of Oklahoma City is out tens of thousands of dollars after vandals hit a popular park and playground.

The park, located just east of Lake Hefner, holds historical significance. It was dedicated in 1995 to the children who were killed in the Murrah bombing. The city says it has never seen vandalism quite like this in the park's 17-year history.

At first glance, it appears there is nothing wrong with the playground along the Hefner Trails. That is because the city has been working hard making repairs.

"We've had to do a little bit more work on [this park]," Jennifer McClintock, Oklahoma City parks and recreation spokesperson said.

What was once plastic dome coverings at the playground are now boarded up windows. The children's drinking fountain is beaten up, and the plumbing is destroyed.

"It's pretty crummy," parent Molly McCabe said. "It's a kid's place to play, and they don't have the right to do [vandalize it]."

McCabe takes her children to the park about once a week. She says the vandalism has left her son without some of his favorite playground attractions.

"There [are] a couple steering wheels missing that [my son] usually plays on," McCabe said.

Much of the vandalism is not what people see, it is what people do not see. Toys built into plastic walls are now gone. Red plastic that used to cover stepping pads has also vanished.

"It kind of sucks that you can't have anything nice in the city," McCabe said.

The city says the playground's surface alone will cost at least $29,000 to repair. Lions Clubs throughout the state built the park in 1995. In 2010, the Lions raised more than $400,000 to completely renovate the park.

If you have any information on who is responsible, contact Oklahoma City police.

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