The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has reported an incident of vandalism that took place at Emery Park early in the week of June 28 and resulted in considerable damage to the park’s Ski Lodge and Field House, each of which was broken into after outside security doors were kicked in and forced open. In addition to the doors of each building being damaged beyond repair, vandals gathered up all of the fire extinguishers from the two buildings and discharged them in the Ski Lodge, causing further damage.

“This type of behavior is not acceptable and is a crime against the entire community,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Because of these vandals, two groups have had to cancel their reservations at the Ski Lodge while this damage is repaired. Our community is better than this and we are encouraging anyone who might have information about this incident to please come forward.”

Clean up costs have neared $31,000 to thoroughly clean each facility due to its size and the scope of damage.  The doors on both facilities will need to be replaced and all fire extinguishers replaced.

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “It is discouraging to see such senseless destruction of public property, just stupid pointless vandalism that unfortunately affects all of us. These facilities are loved by many and are used regularly, so to see them vandalized like this is frustrating and violates our community. Anyone who has knowledge of who did this should please come forward.”

“The Sheriff’s Office does take the destruction of county property seriously, and anyone with information about the incident that occurred on or about June 28 within Emery Park, is urged to call the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at 716-858-2903 and refer to CL #21-046214,” said Scott Zylka of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit  https://www2.erie.gov/parks/    

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