Lake Elsinore Could Close Park Due To Graffiti, Vandalism

LAKE ELSINORE, CA -- McVicker Canyon Skate Park, a popular with skateboarders, may be forced to close due to rising graffiti and vandalism incidents, a Lake Elsinore city councilwoman says.

In an interview with ABC7, Councilwoman Natasha Johnson said due to an "alarming" amount of graffiti and other issues, the park could be closed under a worst case scenario.

"Nobody wants to see that, so we are looking to make sure we can button this up and we can keep our park; it's such a beautiful location to keep it open for our community to enjoy," Johnson told the LA television station.

An amateur skateboarder interviewed by the station said that it's not the skater who are committing the crimes, but taggers and drug users.

The ongoing destruction to the park and other parks in the area is costing the city $10,000 per month, according to the city. The city's currently looking at adding extra cameras and stepping up patrols.

In addition, the community is being asked to help by reporting any acts of vandalism and discouraging others from doing it. People can contact the city's graffiti hotline at (951) 674-2701, the Sheriff Non-Emergency Line at (951) 776-1099, and through the city's Alert LE mobile app.