KENMORE, N.Y. — The Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District is asking for help identifying whoever was responsible for vandalizing the press box at Crosby Field.
"We were able to repair the damage, but still weren't able to identify who committed the vandalism," says John Brucato, Ken-Ton's Assistant Superintendent for Finance.
This incident took place on Sunday, August 25 between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. The door to the press box was damaged, a microphone and a microphone base (receiver) were stolen, and a fire extinguisher was activated.
The vandals caused $2,000 to $3,000 worth of damage. The press box doors need to be replaced. The money to make the repairs is coming out of the district's general operating budget.
"It's incredibly disappointing because again we've made a significant investment not just for our students, but this is a community-used facility, so we want to make sure that we protect our investment, but at the same time allow access during the day," says Brucato.
The district says this isn't an isolated incident. They're investigating several incidents of vandalism at the district's athletic facilities. The facilities are not only used by students, they're also used by the community.
"Last year, we didn't really have too much of an issue, but for whatever reason, the recent weeks we've seen a spike in the vandalism at our fields," says Brucato. "It's a delicate balance. We've made a significant investment, about four-and-a-half million specifically at Crosby, for the field and the press box and the bleachers, but we also recognize that it's a big piece of the community and they do love using the facility, so we're going to intend and keep that open."
At Adams Field a few weeks ago, someone broke into a storage area under the bleachers. As far as the district can tell, nothing was stolen.
And about a month ago, someone damaged the turf at Kenmore West.
The district hopes someone will recognize the two men or boys in the pictures by their bicycles or clothing.
"Because of the length of the field, as you'll see in the photos that we've posted to our page, they are a little grainy, so we're really seeking the community's help to help the district identify potentially who these individuals are," says Brucato.
If you have any information, you're asked to contact the Ken-Ton School District at (716) 874-8400 or the Kenmore Police Department at (716) 875-1234.
