Vandals strike skate park

City of Portales and Recreation Center officials closed the skate park to the public Monday, a day after it was vandalized.

Four aluminum fence poles that were set in concrete were broken Sunday and a section of the pavement was spray painted, according to Johnny Ledbetter, recreation center and skate park director.

Ledbetter believes the damage to the fence occurred when a makeshift ramp weighing about 200 pounds was carried into the park.

“The ramp was removed by the city workers because it was unsafe to skate on and a hazard to those that use the park,” Portales City Manager Debi Lee said.

The skate park will remain closed until the fence can properly be repaired and the graffiti removed,” Ledbetter said.

Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry said Monday there have been no arrests in connection with the incident.

“We intend to press charges for the vandalism done to the park,” Ledbetter said.

It is the sixth time in two years there has been vandalism at the skate park, Lee said.

“It is a shame that a few kids ruined it for everyone,” Ledbetter said. “About 98 percent of the kids that use this park are good kids that take care of the facility.”

Jerry Oden uses the park regularly.

“It is not fair that the park is closed to everyone,” he said. “I would come here every day and ride my bike.”

The people that use this park can help to police it by reporting anyone that is damaging the property, Lee said.