In order to protect the city’s recent investment of a newly enhanced Memorial Park and provide residents with a safe environment, the city administration has recently installed surveillance cameras around the Memorial Parka area. The cameras were installed in mid-October, after various forms of vandalism had been experienced over the summer.
Memorial Park is located on State Road between Rt. 82 and North Akins Roads. It was enhanced with a facelift that started last year, with the move to the new City Hall. The enhancement included the official opening of the shiny new playground at Memorial Park in May, the total interior renovation of the restrooms, the installation of a new drinking fountain, a new concrete pad and new roof. In addition, a lighted aerating fountain was added to the Memorial Park pond, as well as an improvement to the asphalt path.
The city projects have also been subsidized by the North Royalton Lions, who have refinished the deck around the pond and by various Eagle Scout projects, such as the refurbishment of the cannon. Some of the new enhancements have been vandalized. The fountain had been pulled out of the pond; the restrooms and pavilion have been damaged, as well as an electrical box.
Vandalism at Memorial Park is not new. “The restrooms at Memorial Park have been vandalized ever since I can remember,” said Mayor Bob Stefanik. The recent enhancements by the city and various service groups have placed security at the forefront. The city had planned on this as part of the project. “We need to not only protect our investment,” said Stefanik, “ but more importantly, provide safety for the residents who use the park.”
The security cameras will be monitored by the North Royalton Police Department 24/7 and signs regarding this surveillance will be posted. “Hopefully, the signs will be a deterrence in and of itself,” said North Royalton Safety Director, Bruce Campbell. He expects the signs to be posted at the entrance of the park, as well as in the pavilions.
“The enhancements have made it much more attractive for families,” said Campbell. He noted that the cameras will be a good tool to help police provide a presence at the park. “We want to keep it a safe and friendly environment.” Residents are asked to contact the North Royalton Police Department at 440-237-8686 to report any suspicious activity in or around Memorial Park.