Vandergift installs surveillance cameras at Kennedy Park

Sections of Kennedy Park in Vandergrift are now under 24/7 video surveillance.

Vandergrift officials approved the purchase and installation of the cameras during a council meeting in April.

In an effort to deter and stop ongoing vandalism and littering, borough officials recently installed six video cameras on the stage building located next to a baseball field in the park.

Councilman John Uskuraitis said he was motivated to run for council and help make Kennedy Park a safe community space after his daughter, around age 9 at the time, had a knife pulled on her by another youth in the park.

Borough police will have round-the-clock access to the footage.

Uskuraitis said the cameras already are doing their job. Several minors were identified from video footage damaging bricks on the stage.

“We are investigating,” Uskuraitis said. “I hope people will respect the property so others can enjoy it.”

Uskuraitis said the stage bricks will have to be replaced and did not have a cost estimate yet on the repairs.

Uskuraitis said most of the incidents appear to occur during daylight hours, and previous vandalism at the park includes littering the park with unused condoms on the scheduled day of the Easter egg hunt and damage to the stage roof.

Local businessman and longtime park volunteer Anthony Guerrera, owner of A&A Cleaning in Vandergrift, donated $1,200 for the camera project.

Uskuraitis said council will cover the approximate $1,000 additional cost to complete the job.

Guerrera said he wants the park to be utilized and a welcome place for visitors.

“People will feel safe to bring kids here if we have cameras,” Guerrera said.

Uskuraitis said the cameras will and may be moved throughout the park if needed, depending on where problems occur.

The basketball court area is scheduled to receive cameras next.

Uskuraitis said there has been issues with large gatherings causing problems at the courts.

“We want to deter any vandalism and protect people. We’re trying to be proactive,” he said, adding someone damaged a restroom door in the park this week.

Plans are underway to re- install electricity to the court area to accommodate the surveillance cameras.

Borough officials are recommending area residents call 911 to report any suspicious or destructive on-goings at the park. They want to get the message out to residents that violators will be prosecuted.

“This is a group effort between council and the police department,” Uskuraitis said.