Lackawanna parks fall victim to vandalism again

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo is once again calling out those responsible for vandalizing the city’s public parks.

Iafallo shared photos of a broken basketball hoop at Franklin Playground on May 10, noting it was not the only recent instance of vandalism. Other damage was found at Victory Playground and Bethlehem Park, she said.

“There is an increasing level of vandalism occurring at city playgrounds – including destruction of brand new equipment and other upgrades the city is investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to implement,” she wrote on Lackawanna’s Facebook page.

In the latest notable instance, city parks have been tagged with graffiti. Additionally, playground equipment is missing and a mini-soccer facility, which was donated to the city, has been damaged.

“It needs to stop. Manners. Respect for people’s property starts at home, and parents need to step up and take care of their kids and watch them,” Iafallo said. “This has to stop.”

Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .