Wauseon accessible playground closes due to recent vandalism: Police identify suspects caught on security cameras

WAUSEON, Ohio (WTVG) - Due to recent vandalism, the Wauseon accessible playground has been temporarily closed to the public.

Sara’s Garden, a non-profit organization posted to Facebook that the park will be closed until officials can determine a way to prevent the vandalism from happening.

According to the Facebook post, unsupervised children had ripped a gate off the fence, torn up playground surfaces and rode motorbikes on the playground surface. The children also pulled belts off handicap swings making them unusable for summer camp students.

Park officials and police have identified the suspects believed to be involved in the vandalism.

Many community members say they are upset they cannot take their kids to the popular park anymore.

“Where’s the supervision for these kids you know, and how do we hold them accountable,” said Claudia St. John. “For the students that actually go to this school here, I know sometimes they have like sensory issues and even autism, and with that in mind, they need some of the perks that this playground can offer that another playground in Wauseon does not.”

“It’s said,” said another caretaker.

A spokesperson for Sara’s Garden tells 13 Action News they are not sure what’s next for the playground when it comes to the community.

Right now, they are just waiting to hear more from the police.

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