Vandals alter art policy in Vernon Hills parks

Art work installed as a unique feature in Vernon Hills parks has gotten some unwanted public attention, causing those in charge to rethink the program.

Vandals have spray-painted, unearthed and otherwise damaged several bronze castings that were installed in various parks late last year and this spring.

"The vandalism of public art is of concern to all of us," Vernon Hills Park District Commissioner Bruce Robbins said.

The park district in 2002 began buying bronze castings, depicting a variety of athletic activities, from the Randolph Rose Collection in Yonkers, N.Y.

By the end of last year, about two dozen had been purchased and installed in and around the district's main facilities - the Sullivan and Laschen community centers and the Family Aquatic Center.

The board decided to spread the wealth, so to speak.

In late November, statutes of a football player, golfer and children at play were among several installed by volunteers at various parks. By spring, 11 statues, which range in price from several hundred dollars to as much as $7,000, were relocated.

Ten of the 11 that were moved, have been damaged, Superintendent of Parks Orin Main said.

Three were pulled out of the ground, two were spray-painted, two were severed from their bases, two had pieces broken off and another one damaged, he said. Youths are suspected, though no one has been caught.

While the damage was not extensive, it did result in a loss of staff time. The average repair cost is about $200, said Executive Director Jeff Fougerousse.

"The directive a year or so ago was to get them out from Sullivan," he told the board. "Now, we're asking you to move some back."

A specific list is to be determined, but the idea is to relocate the more fragile pieces.

Another suggestion is to beef up landscaping around the statues so they're less accessible.

"We're just asking to move some of the less stable ones to a more protected environment," Main said.