By Staff
We would like to applaud Niles city officials for their decision to take a firm stand on vandalism.
The city's decision to once again lock the Niles Skate Park sends a powerful message to those who would ruin one of the area's finest youth facilities.
By closing down the park, those who chose to take part in this deed will be singled out.
They may never face prosecution for their crime, but they will be punished by their peers.
It is bad enough that black paint was used to leave graffiti on the south bowl, but the individual or individuals involved also stole the lock from the park.
While you may not think this is much of a crime, it could be only the beginning of bigger problems for the city down the road.
By putting their foot down now, Niles city officials have declared they they will not tolerate this type of behavior.
This is not the first time the park has been shut down.
We can remember early on that the facility was closed because individuals using the park were unable to keep it clean.
Then in 2004, the park was closed because of graffiti.
Five juveniles were charged and petitioned to appear in probate court. Two adults were also questioned in the incident.
The police department took the case very seriously and because of its diligent work, those involved were caught.
We know that the same type of investigation will take place this time and we hope those responsible will also be charged.
A reward has been offered for information on the incident, proving Niles is a city that takes care of its facilities.
Surrounding communities can learn something from Niles city officials.
Drive through any town in this area and it won't take long for you to find some graffiti scrawled on a wall, a sidewalk or a similar type facility to a skate park.
To make sure that the message is delivered, the closing of the park is not the only punishment that skateboarders will face.
The city has limited the use of skateboards in locations near downtown and where usage will be allowed.
Anyone found in violation will be ticketed and may have to forfeit their skateboard.
Kudos to Niles officials for taking this stand and let's hope that in the near future, such measures will not be needed.