Windsor

Community cared-for Queen's Dock Park in Sandwich Towne a popular target for vandals

Windsor's harbour master is left wondering what will happen next.

Harbour master Peter Berry is frustrated that the serene spot is being damaged

The Queen's Dock Park was opened three months ago. But it's becoming a popular target for vandals. (Dale Molnar CBC News)

Windsor's harbour master is left wondering what will happen next.

Peter Berry is frustrated by the mess left at a newly minted public park at the end of Mill Street in Sandwich Towne. 

After being unveiled just three months ago, vandals have caused thousands of dollars in damage at Queen's Dock Park. 

"Someone lit one of the garbage cans on fire, and we were starting to see more garbage," said Berry, who is also the director of harbour operations at the Windsor Port Authority. 

Peter Berry said the Windsor Port Authority plans to install more lighting in the area to prevent late-night crime. (Peter Berry/Twitter)

Berry said the damage is ruining the community space. 

"Somebody graffitied the benches, and now this past weekend, somebody brought in a couple of dozen eggs and smeared them on the benches and then covered it with cake," he said. "So now they're so dirty, you can't sit on them because of the ants and the bees. Then someone took the time to dump a can of white paint on the concrete patio there."

Berry said benches have been smeared with cake and eggs. (Peter Berry/Twitter)

Community cared-for

Queen's Dock is not a city park. The land is owned by the Windsor Port Authority, and it's taken care of primarily by members of the Sandwich Teen Action Group. Berry said they'll have added work to do. 

It took four years and about $400,000 to build the park, which sits on a historic property which was formerly a busy working dock. 

The park is maintained by the Sandwich Teen Action Group who will have to clean up the mess. (Peter Berry/Twitter)

It's also one of the few accessible areas where people can enjoy the riverfront in the city's west end, said Berry. 

Berry said it's up to the police to do something about the vandalism. The port authority plans to install more lighting, because it believes the acts are happening after dark.