Cedar Grove to Bolster Park Security Following Vandalism Incidents

Following the recent acts of vandalism at Community Park in Cedar Grove, the township is preparing to implement a high-tech solution intended to make would-be troublemakers think twice.

The township is planning to install a sophisticated security system, including five surveillance cameras and a digital recorder capable of storing nine months worth of video at a time at the park, which contains the Cedar Grove Community Pool, two playgrounds, and an athletic field used for softball, baseball and soccer.

Township Manager Thomas Tucci says the new system, which will carry a price tag of approximately $35,000 and is currently out for municipal bids, will enable police to review activity captured by the cameras in the event of any future incidents.

"It's sad we have to do this, but it's getting a little out of control. This is money well spent," he said.

Two of the cameras will be positioned facing the lower playground, and two at the upper. A fifth camera, Tucci said, will be placed on top of the pool house to capture an image of the vehicle or license plate of anyone entering or exiting the park.

Since night vision cameras would have been be cost-prohibitive, Tucci said proper lighting is critical to the functionality of the new system. As it happens, the lights at the Community Park athletic field are already being replaced, and the electricity powering the cameras will be "jumped" from the power flowing to the lights, saving the township time and money on preparation work installing the system.

In September, several pieces of playground equipment had to be replaced following a pair of incidents where slides and other apparatuses . Some of the equipment was marked with "V-shaped" cuts, which officials said were done with an electric cutting instrument.

Less than a week later, . That time, shattered glass was strewn around the playgrounds, and human excrement was left inside a slide.

Tucci said the cost to replace the playground equipment damaged in September topped $13,000.