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Talent takes tough stand on skatepark vandalism TALENT -- The city commission known for its support of the downtown skatepark is taking a hard line against recent acts of vandalism at the park. The Parks Commission this week endorsed an unofficial city policy of closing the park down if vandalized until the graffiti can be removed. "It's defaming the park and it's illegal," said commission chair Cheryl Nadler-Voss. When the park was first tagged with graffiti last August, it was closed for several days while an independent contractor used a soda blaster to remove the offending paint. Soon after, council members Joi Riley and Lisa Shapiro expressed disappointment at the closure. When the park was vandalized last month, it was closed for four days during spring break, much to the dismay of regular users. The independent contractor could not be scheduled immediately and public works staff wound up doing the work. "We're just not going to let people skate over ... filthy language," said Public Works Director Tim Dedrick. "It's safety and it's civic pride, I would say." Dedrick said the paint poses a small safety hazard because it is slick and there are sometimes globs of paint. The two acts of vandalism have cost the city $1,800 to clean. Several street signs also have been tagged at a cost of $40-$50 each to recover. "There is a cause and effect," said Dedrick. "When it's vandalized, it's a felony and is investigated by police." The commission also decided to put up a sign indicating the park will be open from sunrise to sunset, and be closed for inclement weather such as rain and ice. The policy and recommendation from the commission will be discussed by the City Council Wednesday. In a memo to council members, Administrator Kelly Madding indicated her support for temporarily closing the park when it is vandalized. "It is unfortunate that many skate park users may be adversely affected by the actions of a few," wrote Madding. "However staff supports a policy of consequence." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA