Heckscher Park Bathrooms Vandalized; Town Of Huntington Cracking Down

HUNTINGTON, NY — After bathrooms at Heckscher Park in the Town of Huntington were vandalized, Supervisor Ed Smyth is calling for the public to report crimes and other incidents to the town.

People placed rocks in the toilets of the park's main bathrooms a couple of weeks ago, causing clogging, Smyth said on Monday. The pipes surrounding the bathrooms had to be dug up and cleared. The town placed porta potties while the pipes were being repaired, but people knocked those over, as well.

The town has video of the vandals, who appear to be a small group of teenagers, Smyth said. He urged them to come forward, promising a "warm reception" should they do so.

The supervisor then asked people to report other incidents to the Town of Huntington Public Safety Department in the future. People can call 631-351-3234 on a 24/7 basis.

"If you see something, say something," Smyth said. "It's a mantra that you've heard now for 20-plus years, and it's important. We're always looking for the public's input and the public's notification to us for any kind of event that catches your attention. I would stress that if you see something that raises your eyebrows, please, your first instinct should not be to post it on social media. The first instinct should be to call the Town of Huntington Public Safety Department and let us know."

Vandalism is not a new concern in the town's public parks, Smyth said. The town is working with the Suffolk County Police Department Second Precinct, which will increase patrols in all parks, day and night. Undercover officers will also be deployed, according to the department.

"This is our Central Park for the Town of Huntington, and we take great pride in it, and we jealously guard this park," Smyth said.

There has not been graffiti reported recently, Smyth said. But the town plans to clamp down on vandalism in its parks before it evolves into something worse.

"It's one of those small petty crimes that if it's not addressed, it could lead to bigger and worse situations," Smyth said.

Heckscher Park is at 11 Prime Ave., Huntington, off State Route 25A.