Shaffer Park, which had been closed to the public except for times when Chillicothe Mudcats baseball games were played, has been reopened for general public use. The park is now open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
The park was closed down for two weeks in an effort to curb vandalism. In recent weeks, vandals had broken windows in the press box and had broken into the concessions stand as well as the maintenance shed. Additionally, someone had caused damage to the ballpark by driving a four-wheeler through the grass infield.
As a result of the vandalism, the city of Chillicothe, at the request of Grand River Entertainment which sponsors the Chillicothe Mudcat baseball program, decided to close the park except for when games are played, according to Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney, noting that the playground equipment at Shaffer Park was obtained through grant money because of the Mudcats’ presence in Chillicothe.
The mayor said that the limited use schedule was implemented on a trial basis. However, several complaints were made to Third Ward Councilman Tom Douglas from individuals in his ward wanting to use the park.
“The people who have come to me have young kids. They get out and walk as a family in the evening, they go to the park and the kids play 20 or 30 minutes,” Douglas said during the city council’s workshop Monday evening at City Hall. “We do not need to lock public parks.”
Douglas estimated to have received 20 calls from individuals in his ward who were upset with the park closing.
It was noted Monday night that all parks within the city have been vandalized this year. Among areas damaged in them have been the horse shoe pitching pits, the croquet courts and the bathrooms, Haney said.
While reopening Shaffer Park for general use, the city is urging members of the public to take an active role and notify police if they see suspicious activity not only at Shaffer Park but throughout the park system. The city has also asked for additional support from the police in patrolling the park areas.
Chillicothe, Mo. —
