Information Sought After Vandals Pull New Picnic Tables Into Pond: Officials

WINTHROP HARBOR, IL — Newly purchased picnic tables at Village Park, known as the 38 Acres, were damaged after several were dragged into a pond and vandalized, village officials said.

The tables were purchased and placed at the Winthrop Harbor park ahead of Harbor Days for use during the festival and throughout the season, according to a post on the village of Winthrop Harbor Facebook page. Last week, several tables were pulled into the pond, while others were painted, written on and carved, village officials said.

Parks and Recreation and Public Works crews removed the tables from the water, with Whitmore's Towing and Fleet Service of Waukegan providing equipment and assistance at no cost to the village.

The tables now need repairs before they can be returned to the park, resulting in additional staff time and expenses, village officials said.

The village is asking anyone who witnessed the vandalism or knows who may have been involved to contact the Winthrop Harbor Police Department.

Officials also encouraged residents who see suspicious activity at the 38 Acres or other village parks to report it to police rather than confronting anyone themselves.