WARREN COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey State Police have opened an investigation into an act of vandalism that ruined a Warren County park, officials say.
Sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, someone or someones drove their car onto Swayze Mill Park in Hope Township, causing extensive damage to its soccer field.
Tire marks can be seen shredded across the park and surrounding areas.
"Someone violated the serenity of the park by driving and causing extensive damage to the soccer field used for our youngest players," township officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials, the vandal(s) caused an estimated $1,000 in damage to the field, a price tag that will be taken care of by Hope Township taxpayers.
As a result of the significant damage, an investigation has been opened up by the New Jersey State Police. An anonymous donor has offered a $500 reward for anyone who can help identify the responsible party.
"As residents of Hope Township, we are indeed blessed to have such a beautiful place for ALL of our residents to enjoy," officials said. "When that beauty is disrupted, it impacts us all."
Tips can be reported to the NJSP by calling the non-emergency number at 908-459-5098.
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