By Tate Papworth
Frustrated community members have vowed to protect the newly opened Sunvale Community Park from vandals.
The park has been attacked three times since opening last month. In the latest incident native plants, palms, tree ferns and grass trees were ripped from garden beds.
Two weeks ago, hoons rode motorbikes through the park, digging up the grass and leaving skid marks on the concrete.
Friends of Sunvale spokesperson Sean Spencer said the group would ensure an around-the-clock presence at the park to discourage vandals.
“We’re not going to be acting like vigilantes or walking around with baseball bats,” he said.
“The park is well used during the day and we’re just going to make sure it’s being used during the night.
“This is about the community standing up and saying ‘this is our park, leave it alone’.”
Sunvale Park is the result of more than a decade of passionate community campaigning to turn the former Sunvale Primary School site into public open space.
Mr Spencer said the community was determined to protect the park.
“It’s easy to believe we deserve less in the west and that’s a mindset we want to change,” he said.
“This is a high quality place which was delivered thanks to the community – it’s something our children can take pride in.
“Seeing it destroyed is soul destroying and I’d hate for it to create a flow-on affect where the next time council build a park, they don’t put in established plants … because of what happened at Sunshine.”
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the council would increase security measures at the park.
“Since the initial damage by a motorcyclist, Brimbank City Council has maintained a security presence at the park overnight, which will be continued until the perpetrators are identified,” Cr Giudice said.
“Council is now looking at the installation of temporary security cameras and other security initiatives.
“Council will organise to clean up, repair and replace infrastructure and plantings because of these recent attacks.
“While the monetary value is not of great significance, the disregard of a new community park is insulting to council and the community.”
