January 20, 2011

Park Fountain vandalized

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Call Granville Village Police at 642-1414 with any information regarding the vandalism to the Veterans Park fountain.

A village worker discovered on Jan. 15 that the fountain in Veterans Park had been vandalized and the pineapple topping it forcibly removed.

The football-sized pineapple, which is meant to symbolize welcoming, is made of lead, with copper “leaves” at its top. Officials said the piece is valued at between $400 and $500. Granville Police Chief Ernie Bassett Jr. said the investigation into the vandalism started Monday morning, adding no suspects had identified at that point.

Tracks in the snow could be seen approaching the fountain from the Church Street and bandstand areas.

The pineapple was not found in the immediate area and has not been located. Mayor Jay Niles said the village board was waiting to see where the investigation into the theft goes before considering further action.

“Veterans Park is considered a memorial to the veterans and the people who have fought for and served out country. When people do this to any part of the park it is inappropriate and unacceptable. When you destroy public property we find that reprehensible,” Niles said.

There is no doubt what will happen when the perpetrators are caught, Niles said, “We will prosecute them.”

Niles said the damage was not being taken lightly and was not being considered a prank. “It comes down to what people think about what is important to them and this is not what we want happening in our park or our village,” Niles said.

DPW workers said the pineapple was held in place by silicon sealant and attached to the top of the fountain by a water pipe and likely could have been removed without the aid of tools.

Initially installed in the park in 2006, the fountain was previously vandalized in August of 2008 when the pineapple was damaged; village workers were able to repair the fountain on that occasion.

Funds to pay for the fountain were raised through 50-50 raffle sales at summer concert series events and donations from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations.

Later, the entire cost of the fountain was picked up by the men who had volunteered to pick it up from its point of manufacture, Nick and Gino Vona.