Several acts of vandalism have occurred at Briarwood Park since the city of Brookhaven started a $4.6 million construction project there in October of 2023.
Along with a community garden, pedestrian bridge and trail, Briarwood Park is getting a new parking lot with underground detention, resurfaced roads, sidewalks, and improved lighting.
According to Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Director Alan Marks, around March 20, all three sliding glass windows at the Briarwood pool house were smashed. In the office and concessions area, a suspected fire extinguisher dusting was found. A window frame, two computer monitors, and several two-way radios were also damaged.
On April 1, construction equipment was started, moved, and used to hit two portable toilets on the job site. Windows were broken on some equipment, although the city did not specify what type of equipment or vehicles were involved. A photo taken by a resident shows the barrier to keep pedestrians out of the job site was destroyed.
The Brookhaven Police Department is investigating security at the site.
