Pittsfield Asks for Info on Vandalism, Ransacking in Parks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is asking that community members report suspicious activity after two parks were vandalized and ransacked.

On Friday, it was reported that Clapp Park, located on West Housatonic Street, and the Common on First Street experienced recent acts of vandalism that included destruction of the bathroom fixtures and the control room.

Copper was taken from both locations. The metal is commonly stolen and sold for profit.

"Both parks are vital resources to our community. We are devastated that this activity has taken place and are going to try our best to have things repaired in time for spring," the city posted on its Facebook page.

"However, we have a lot of work ahead to have bathroom facilities and splash pads available in these two locations."


The post included pictures of what appear to be control rooms with broken pipes and other materials scattered on the ground.

"We now must purchase, repair, and install new doors, locks, toilets, sinks, dispensers, and mirrors," it reads.

"In addition, we need to obtain replacement parts and piping to properly operate the bathrooms and splash pads."

Both parks have bathroom facilities and splash pads, which are recreation areas that spray water on users during the warm months.

The city asked that if members of the public have seen any suspicious activity in either park recently to report it to the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700.

Additional updates will be shared closer to the spring season.


Tags: vandalism,   

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Wahconah Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian for Class of 2024

DALTON, Mass. — Aidan Garcia and Sarah Thornton have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the 2024 graduating class at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
Both students will speak at graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The valedictory speech is titled,  "Forever" and the salutatory address is "Reflections".
 
Garcia is the son of Andrew and Susan Garcia of Dalton. During his high school career, he pursued an Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum. He is active in the many service projects sponsored by the National Honor Society and serves as the Wahconah chapter president. He is the secretary of the Student Council, the president of Green Umbrella, editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper, a class ambassador and more. Additionally, he is a member of the Boy Scouts as well as the school's Nordic ski, cross country and track and field teams. 
 
He was actively involved in a service project outside of school, volunteering his time at Holiday Brook Farm as a soil research assistant. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of peat moss on the crops and to search for an alternative. "This substance and its cultivation has been drastically harmful to wildlife by destroying peat bogs and forests in the Northern U.S. and Canada," he said. Garcia worked with the farm to find an alternative solution that will create better results for its crops.
 
Garcia has been recognized with district and schoolwide awards such as the Superintendent's Award, the School Committee Award, and an award in science. He has been recognized as an AP Scholar, is a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient, and is a College Board National Recognition Program awardee. 
 
Garcia plans to attend Middlebury (Vt.) College in the fall and is majoring in biology.
 
Thornton is the daughter of James and Patricia Thornton of the town of Washington. While at Wahconah, her academic program included Honors and Advanced Placement coursework. She participated in a number of extracurricular activities, serving in multiple leadership roles including on Student Council for four years and as treasurer this year. She was inducted into the National Honor Society last year and was chapter treasurer this year. She was also president of the National Business Honor Society. She was involved in several clubs including No Place Hate, Tribe School Spirit Club, French Club and yearbook. 
 
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