Graffiti: It Costs More Than Money

We’ve seen the stories and photos of vandalism and trash in our county parks, from Foy’s Lake to the Conrad Complex, and up and down the Rails to Trails system. It’s frustrating and costly.

From July to September this year, Flathead County’s Park and Recreation department spent more than 120 man-hours cleaning graffiti and fixing/replacing items that were damaged/stolen. The cost to taxpayers: nearly $6,000. When time is spent on repairs, it means that it’s not being spent on the maintenance of our parks and trails.

The photo used for this story is generic. We couldn’t share the actual ones from Ben Williams or Volunteer Park in Lakeside due to the language and imagery. And hatred. The cost isn’t just in dollars.

If you see something, do something. Call your police department, take a photo, or scare violators away…don’t simply think ‘It’s just kids being kids.’

This is our community where every view is magnificent. Our parks, trails, and buildings should complement, not take away from the beauty that is here.