NBV park struck by vandals again

The latest incident involved a glass block window in the bathroom.

Vandalism continues to be a problem at Community Bank Park in North Belle Vernon.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council discussed the latest issue, which involved a glass block being knocked out in the restroom. Someone climbed through the opening, unlocked the facility and destroyed things inside.

Mayor Craig Ambrose said street department worker Walter Knapp recently finished repairs to the glass block window.

“Walt never did block windows before in his life,” Ambrose said. “He bought the block glass, and he did a superb job in putting that in and he did it with a half of day’s notice. I give him a lot of credit on that. He will try anything.”

Council President Brett Berish said the vandalism is getting out of hand.

“The bathroom at the park, it’s getting to be ridiculous,” Berish said. “The money we are spending, the time and energy to fix that, maybe we should just lock it up.”

The restrooms are locked when there are not events at the park. Council pays for a porta-potty for convenience, but it has been tipped over at least three times this year.

“It’s locked up most of the time,” Councilwoman Karen Jones said.

“It was cheaper this time around because it was a bottom block that was knocked out, so whoever got in had to be pretty skinny, but they unlocked it from the inside once they got in,” Ambrose said.

Council thinks maybe the windows need to be secured from the inside.

“If they break it again, lock it up,” Berish said.

Ambrose said the company the borough rents porta-pottys from also is getting fed up.

“We already chain it down, but it gets tipped over and they have to come in and spray it and clean it,” Ambrose said. “If it keeps happening they said they won’t keep coming to do it. It’s just a shame you can’t give these kids something good.”

The borough is working to update its security cameras throughout the borough and at the park to help deter vandals, but officials can’t seem to shake the determination of those set out to destroy the park for no reason.

In 2022, the park was vandalized several times, resulting in its temporary closure on two occasions.

Last year, the destruction seemed to stop although officials still dealt with violations of park rules such as riding bikes and littering.

This year, the vandalism has largely dealt with restroom facilities.

In the meantime, organizers are continuing to prepare for their next event, Community Fest, which is set 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 12.

The festival is quickly becoming the largest event of the year at the park as a community- oriented festival designed to bring the community together for a day of fun, entertainment and local culture.

The String Theory, a high-energy, alt-acoustic duo, based out of Greensburg will play music from all genres from 4 to 7 p.m.

Other details are still being planned, but so far organizers have lined up pumpkin painting for kids and will have a face painting artist.

Vendors of all types are still being accepted for the event, though space for food vendors is limited.

It costs $10 to secure a spot, which is non-refundable. Tables, chairs and tents are not provided. Online vendor forms can be filled out at nbvpark.com under the “Events” tab.

After a form is filled out online, vendors will be redirected to an online payment system through Square to pay the registration fee.

Spots are not secured until payments are processed.

Community organizations can set up at the festival for free.

Organizations can set up a fundraising booth, a space to recruit members or for other informational purposes.

To register as a community vendor e-mail nbvpark@gmail.com.

Despite the vandalism issue, the park is having a successful summer. It has become a hub for community events, festivals, gatherings and fun for kids, families and sports teams from around the region.

Events at the park are spearheaded by volunteers who have formed a recreation committee to help fundraise and sponsor events that continue to become more popular year to year.

Sponsorships from local businesses help to upkeep the park and its facilities, along with help from local leaders, borough employees and community members including Boy Scouts who have chosen different aspects of the park for various projects.

The park hosts a slew of annual events each year, with help from councilwomen Paula Usher and Jones and Pam and Cody Ambrose, who keep the park running smoothly.

After opening in March with its annual Easter Egg hunt, a successful paint and sip event in May, one of the most popular events at the park is Polka Fest, which was held July 28.

Organizers said the event was well attended, and despite hot temperatures, guests had a good time.

The event features live music and a dance floor, as well as authentic ethnic dishes like pierogis and haluski.

“We had a lot of people,” Jones said. “It was really nice.”

“It was really hopping with people down there,” Councilman Jack Curran said. “Especially as far as food and drinks because it was a hot day.”

Another paint and sip event held Aug. 7 was geared toward teachers as they prepare to head back to school.

Guests were able to paint custom signs for their classrooms, and the artist who led the event donated here fee back to the parks and recreation committee.

“It was really nice of her to do that,” Jones said. “So we are very thankful for that.”

The park’s season will end with Light up the Night at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 to usher in the holiday season.

For more information on rentals, upcoming events or to become a sponsor of the park, go to nbvpark.com.