'We Will Find You': Graffiti At Suffolk Skate Park Sparks Town Probe

BRENTWOOD, NY — The Town of Islip is investigating vandalism that occurred last week at the newly opened Roberto Clemente Skate Park in Brentwood.

A town employee called police Friday, reporting graffiti on skate ramps at the park. They believe it occurred sometime between the 10th at 6 p.m. and the time of the call, police said.

The town also reported additional graffiti that they believe was made Saturday. It was cleaned as of Wednesday, a representative told Patch.

Supervisor Angie Carpenter was joined by representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and Town of Islip Public Safety at a news conference, addressing the incident.

Tony Prudenti, Commissioner, Town of Islip Public Safety, said his office is reviewing the park's surveillance footage for leads.

Carpenter also shared her disappointment when learning about the incident.

"Two months ago, in March when we saw all the enthusiastic skaters begin to make this park their own, we were overjoyed. But when I look around today, sadly, I am appalled. This is graffiti, it is an ugly act of vandalism, and make no mistake, it is a criminal act," said Carpenter.

The skate park opened following years of numerous obstacles.

Roberto Clemente Park was forced to close in 2014 after eight companies illegally dumped toxic waste into the park.

It reopened in 2017 under Supervisor Carpenter’s leadership, and in subsequent years, has seen the complete renovation of the Olympic size swimming pool, new poolside amenities including sunshades, picnic tables and chairs; the addition of a separate, enclosed, state-of-the-art spray park and playground; new sidewalks and a newly paved parking lot.

In May 2021, the office of Attorney General Letitia James delivered $627,000 to the Town of Islip from the toxic waste compensation to "be used to improve public park facilities in the Brentwood community, including Roberto Clemente Park."

Assemblyman Phil Ramos also assisted in the park's financing, securing $700,000.

In May 2022, the Islip town board passed a resolution approving a change of zone to apply for and accept $450,000 in grant funding from Dormitory Authority of the State of New York for the construction of the Roberto Clemente Skate Park.

The popular plaza-style skate park contains quarter pipes, rails and steps, and has been a destination for skaters since its opening, a release said.

Carpenter left a stern message to those who vandalized the highly anticipated park.

"To the perpetrators who left this ugly mark of hate and violence where our youth come to play, know this: we will find you, and you will be turned over and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," she said.