The gate to the off-leash dog park in Westlock was ripped off its hinges on July 27 in an apparent act of vandalism.
This is the fourth instance of vandalism in the off-leash dog park in the past two years. The cases of vandalism began after the park was split into two sections.
Previous vandalism was targeted to the gates, wind shelter and set of anchors which were cut off and taken. The anchors were subsequently replaced but got stolen again.
“The recent damage is to the access gates into the park and it’s so bad that one swing gate has to be re-cemented,” said Town of Westlock Director of Operations Robin Benoit.
The gate was completely ripped off its hinges and the latch was destroyed in the process with some damage to the cables that hold the wind shelter in place.
“I don't know why they've chosen to target that area,” said Benoit. “We have fence around some of our ball diamonds and some of our sports fields but they have not had this kind of damage done to them.”
The off-leash area may still be accessed through its other entrance.
The Westlock Off-Leash Dog Park is located just off 108 St. near the community of Whisselville and Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Any information on the vandalism can be reported to the town of Westlock at 780-349-4444.
