Vandals damage kindy’s play space

Pupil Oluwafikunayomi Agbowuro (4) looks at damage to side netting on a fort structure at...
Pupil Oluwafikunayomi Agbowuro (4) looks at damage to side netting on a fort structure at Jonathan Rhodes Kindergarten yesterday. Photos: Linda Robertson.
A vandal has burned an area of side netting on a rope bridge at Jonathan Rhodes Kindergarten, in North Dunedin, only a few months after the netting was upgraded and replaced.

Kindergarten teacher Bronwyn McEwan said about $500 had been spent replacing worn side-netting near a fort complex late last year, and staff  and parents were "disappointed" about the recent damage.

Although the area of damage was relatively small, it could have resulted in increased risks. A temporary repair had secured the affected section of netting yesterday but, longer term, that section could well have to be replaced, costing hundreds of dollars more.

"We’ve got to keep children safe."

Several thousand dollars had been spent upgrading play equipment and making  improvements in the Northeast Valley kindergarten’s grounds in recent years, and this money had been raised with considerable effort by the "fantastic" fundraising committee.

The neighbours also did a good job of helping to look after the North Rd kindergarten, including watching for any suspicious behaviour. The vandalism has been referred to the police, who are investigating.

A police spokeswoman said police would like to hear from anyone who had  seen anything suspicious at the kindergarten, including on  Wednesday night.

● Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement