Regina man says torched bench ‘senseless vandalism’ that taints public park

Don Black says he was shocked and upset when he saw a torched bench in Wascana Park.

“This was just really, truly senseless vandalism,” said Black. “It’s just a bench that people can sit on while going around the park, and somebody burned it so it’s useless.”

Black has been going for a walk around Wascana Park path several times a week, and said he is concerned about vandalism increasing in the park.

“The park is so well-used now by all parts of Regina society with all ages (and) all ethnicities, and it’s really a gathering place and it’s wonderful to see,” said Black. “Just to have that little bit of pleasure be taken away for no reason at all, I found it infuriating.”

There have been other acts of vandalism, including damage to the mural under the Albert Street Bridge on the park pathway at the beginning of October.

Black also expressed concern over the sexual assault that occurred while a woman was out jogging near the Broad Street pathway.

“You just don’t want to see the safety of the park harmed in any way,” he said.

Seeing the bench — with a charred hole right through the middle and being held up only by its metal foundation — sounded alarm bells for Black.

“This is the first time I’ve seen something so physical,” said Black, who acknowledged this was much different than paint on the pathway or litter blowing into the bushes.

When Black was taking a picture of the bench, he spoke with a Wascana Park official who said this was not nearly as bad as what kinds of vandalism goes on in the bathrooms.

Black was unsure how someone could improve the situation and eliminate issues of vandalism at the park.

“What should we do? Put in a webcam behind every bench with staff to monitor it? I don’t think so,” said Black.

A representative from the Provincial Capital Commission, which oversees the operation of the park, said staff are aware of the destructive behaviour and vandalism that occurs in the park.

“As part of Wascana Centre operations, a dedicated maintenance team monitors the park to ensure that public spaces and equipment are safe, usable, and presentable,” the PCC representative said. “If an item is damaged or in need of repair, they will fix it.”

The PCC said it’s committed to fostering a safe environment for all people who go to Wascana Park.