Thumb Tacks and Sewing Needles Purposely Left at the Playground at Southside Park

Wednesday, 19 August 2020 at 14:22

The playground at Southside Park in Woodstock was closed off to the public this morning after staff discovered a number of discarded sewing needles and thumb tacks that were left with the intention of injuring children.

WOODSTOCK - The playground at Southside Park in Woodstock was closed off to the public this morning after staff discovered a number of discarded sewing needles and thumb tacks.

It is fairly obviously the needles and thumb tacks were left in an attempt to injure children. Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Connors says staff discovered the needles this morning.

"It was actually the playground area of Southside Park that had to be closed. Staff discovered a number of thumb tacks and a lot of sewing needles that were spread around, amongst the playground equipment."

This appears to be vandalism with an attempt to injure children and police have started an investigation. Connors says luckily it was a staff member who discovered this.

"It was closed off immediately, a number of staff were brought in to clean it up and inspect it, to make sure that we got all the sewing needles and thumb tacks. It got a thorough inspection before it was reopened just after noon."

Connors says they are asking residents to be vigilant right now, until the police catch this suspect.

"We are going to ask staff to do more inspections of playground equipment but we can't be everywhere, so we are asking the public, before they go on playground equipment to look for anything sharp or dangerous, that there kids may find."

This is the second act of vandalism in Southside Park with intent to injure. Earlier this month, Woodstock Police were also called to investigate the spread of nails throughout the cricket pitch and nearby playing area.

Parks staff have been instructed to increase playground and park inspections, however they will not be able to cover every park area before public usage begins.