The Warren Skate Park is closed for repairs.
The coin-operated box that runs the lights for the facility is damaged and city officials are awaiting the delivery of replacement parts.
According to City of Warren Police Chief Raymond Zydonik, the repairs are needed because of a vandalism and resulting theft.
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Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry
Shut down
The Warren Skate Park is closed following the criminal destruction of the coin-operated lighting system box at the park. City officials said the park will reopen when the part is replaced.
On Oct. 2, someone broke into the lighting system box to get to the money that was inside. The park was closed the next day.
Someone used a metal object to force open the box, according to Public Works Director Mike Holtz.
The box was damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, according to assistant director Vinnie Massa.
According to Assistant City Manager Mary Ann Nau, the replacement coin box cost $500.
"We expect an arrest on an individual responsible for the damage," Zydonik said. "We have a suspect in mind. We expect to be filing charges in the next couple days."
The suspect is a juvenile, he said.
City officials have discussed reopening the park prior to the arrival of the replacement parts. The skate park would simply close at dusk, like the rest of the unlit portion of Beaty Park, until the lights are back in operation.
The park was not closed as a punishment for the damage, Zydonik said. Other communities with skate parks will close those parks to everyone as a result of the actions of a few.
"We don't do that," he said. "It's a maintenance issue."
"As soon as the parts are received, repairs will be made and we'll be back to normal operation," Zydonik said.
There is some chance the park could reopen in time for the coming weekend, although Holtz said a reopening next week is more likely. He said the parts could arrive as early as Friday.