Garden at James Dougherty Elementary School Vandalized

"Sometime between Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon the garden at James Dougherty Elementary School was vandalized," said Mr Price, a Teacher at the school who has invested much of his time in making it a special space for students.

He also reported that pots and art pieces were broken, plants and trees were torn out of the ground, the outdoor bulletin board had its plexiglass shattered and the general status of the garden was left in ruin.

Mr Price indicated that this was not an isolated incident. "Over the last few years we’ve had fruit and vegetables taken from the garden and other small incidents of vandalism," he said.

The Dublin Police Department have been notified.

Many teachers use the garden as an opportunity for teaching and students enjoy the hands-on learning and exploring the area and seeing the fruits and flowers that the garden produces.

The Dougherty families who take care of the garden over the summer will also be on the lookout for suspicious activity.

The school community was appalled by the reports and offers of assistance and donations have been posted on the school's PFC Facebook page to assist in replacing broken pots and replenishing some of the damaged plants.

Unfortunately incidents like this can cause limited access to the garden during non school hours.

Please contact the Dublin Police Department, the James Dougherty Elementary School Principal, Ms Joy Scarpinato or Mr Price if you saw or know of anything in relation to this incident.