Vandalism on rise at Frienship Park in Des Plaines

Friendship Park on Algonquin Road in Des Plaines has been hit by vandals several times in the past few months, and residents nearby are being asked to call police if they see suspicious activity.

What started in July as graffiti on doors has escalated to arson and destruction, said Walt Cook, Mount Prospect Park District CEO. He said there has been nearly $30,000 in vandalism at Friendship Park, and that the playground, where equipment and park benches have been seared or burned through, has been particularly hard hit.

The Space Net Climber - a kid favorite - was destroyed and will cost nearly $12,500 to replace. New playground equipment was installed as part of a total redesign and rededication of the area in 2007. "We're hoping residents around the park will help us by reporting any suspicious activity," said Cook. "We're not asking them to stop anything. We're just asking them to ... call 911." Des Plaines police are offering a $1,000 reward through Crime Stoppers.