Vandalism could lead to closure of Indiana county's beaches

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - Officials say they might close a western Indiana county's two lakeside beaches because of troubles with vandalism and young children being left unattended.

Vigo County has beaches at its Fowler and Hawthorn parks near Terre Haute. Assistant Parks Superintendent Adam Grossman says those sites have had "a ton of vandalism," including the theft of shower heads, removal of stall doors, smearing feces on walls and climbing on roofs of beach houses.

The (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star reports (http://bit.ly/2siSLpc ) parks officials say children as young as 5 years old have been dropped off alone at the beaches despite rules requiring adults to accompany anyone younger than 13.

The county parks board suggested signs warning beachgoers about the possible closures unless the vandalism comes to a stop.

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Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com