Parks and Open Space addresses ongoing vandalism in public spaces
Published on April 24, 2025
The Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division is urging the community to take a stand against a troubling rise in vandalism at public parks, trails, and recreational areas. The recent increase in destructive behavior is taking a serious toll on community assets, draining public resources, delaying improvement projects, and diminishing the enjoyment of public spaces for all.
Over the past several weeks, Parks and Open Space staff have responded to repeated and costly incidents of vandalism. Recent examples include:
- Toilets filled with sand in public restrooms, costing an estimated $3,200 in materials and staff time and over one full day of lost work involving up to six staff members from various County departments.
- Graffiti defacing newly installed structures at White Rock Skate Park and North Mesa Ball Fields, leading to repair costs on brand new materials.
- Broken slides and damaged equipment at local playlots, causing safety concerns for our youngest community members and closure of structures if needed.
- General damage to park amenities and facilities.
The consequences of vandalism are wide-reaching. Not only does it require significant funding to repair and replace damaged infrastructure, but it also diverts valuable staff time from other essential projects. Vandalism has resulted in temporary closure of restrooms and playlots, delays in new park renovations, field closures, and a loss of amenities that countless residents enjoy. These setbacks come at a cost to everyone in the community—financially and socially.
“The impacts go far beyond broken equipment,” said Parks and Open Space Superintendent Wendy Parker. “It’s about safety, public trust, and the ability to deliver quality recreational services. Every act of vandalism slows our progress and diminishes the experience for everyone.”
The County has identified that the majority of incidents involve individuals between the ages of 9 and 15. Los Alamos County encourages parents and guardians to talk with youth about:
- Making good choices in public spaces
- Resisting peer pressure
- Understanding right from wrong
- Engaging in healthy, positive activities
- Recognizing that boredom is not an excuse for vandalism
As a community, we each share responsibility for the care of our public spaces. Residents are encouraged to See Something, Say Something. If you observe suspicious behavior or vandalism in progress, report it immediately by calling the Los Alamos Police Department’s non-emergency line at 505-662-8222.
Additionally, issues in parks, trails, and recreational areas can be easily reported through the Los Alamos NOW app, helping staff respond more efficiently to concerns.
To enhance deterrence and accountability, Los Alamos County is adding additional signage and looking at expanding camera coverage across several park locations. Existing cameras have already played a role in identifying and addressing incidents, and additional installations are being considered in high-use and high-risk areas.
Let’s work together to protect our shared spaces. Our parks, playgrounds, ball fields, and trails are part of what makes Los Alamos County a great place to live, play, and explore. Every member of our community has a role in being a good steward of these resources.
For more information, contact the Parks and Open Space Division at (505) 662-8159.
Click the link below to view a "how-to" video walking users through the Los Alamos NOW app reporting feature.
How to Video: Reporting Issues in Our Parks and Open Space