Batesville Parks is asking residents to help protect the city’s new skate park after more than 25 individual instances of graffiti were discovered at the site before its official opening.
The Parks Department shared the discovery in a social media post, expressing disappointment that the new community facility was marked before officials had even opened its gates.
Officials acknowledged that the people responsible displayed artistic talent and creativity. They also noted that the artwork was not inappropriate. However, the department emphasized that marking public property without authorization remains vandalism.
“Art belongs in the right outlets—not on our brand-new skate park,” Batesville Parks stated.
The new skate park represents a project the community has worked to build for local skateboarders and families. Parks officials said unauthorized spray painting and drawing take away from that investment and affect a space intended for everyone to enjoy.
The department encouraged those responsible—and other local artists—to direct their talents toward positive and legal creative opportunities rather than damaging public property.
Batesville Parks is also asking residents to help keep both established and newly constructed parks clean, attractive and welcoming.
The department’s message to the community is: “Respect the space, protect our parks, and keep Batesville beautiful.”
No information was provided about the cost of removing the graffiti, whether anyone has been identified or whether the vandalism will affect the skate park’s official opening.
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