MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach police officers are searching for two teens wanted for vandalizing a special needs playground that is nearing completion at the Market Common.
According to a police report, vandals were seen walking around Savannah’s Playground on Farrow Parkway around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday spray-painting items all over the park.
Character names from the popular game “Pokemon Go” could be seen painted on the sidewalks and trees as well as “profane and obscene gestures. An electrical box, water fountain, signs, playground equipment and a port-John was also damaged.
“I’m very disappointed in this happening and pretty angry about it too,” said Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes. He has been working for months to open Savannah’s Playground.
The playground is named after Savannah Thompson. She’s a student at Socastee High who has Williams Syndrome. When she was 4-years-old, complications from a surgery gave her brain damage and forced her into a coma. Since then, she has fought against the odds and made a name for herself in the community; especially in the sports world with Special Olympics.
Savannah’s father, Lance Thompson, said he hopes the vandalism does not delay the soft opening of the playground in a few weeks.
“It’s very disheartening to learn that somebody has torn down something that people have worked so hard to build up,” said Thompson. “It’s just disappointing.”
The playground is supposed to have an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Labor Day Weekend. The total cost for the park when complete will be nearly $3 million. It is slated to open on Labor Day.
A witness told police the suspects were white males, 17-19 years old, wearing dark clothing and were seen leaving in a silver in color truck.
If you have any information on this, please contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
At Tuesday’s Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, HTC representative Brent Groome stood before council leaders and said he knew Savannah and her family.
He said after he saw what happened to the playground, the company decided to donate security cameras to help prevent future vandalism.
“I think when you see something like that, it’s a little bit gut wrenching because you realize it’s something that is so positive for part of our society that has enough challenges as it is and for someone to come out and vandalize it and basically tear it down so to speak. It just really makes you think how can good overcome evil,” said Groome.
Groome says the company plans to take a loot at the area and donate whatever is needed to help keep the playground secure.
