Vandals Deface New Coweta School Playground

Coweta Public School leaders want the community's help to find vandals who damaged a playground.

The playground at Central Elementary is still available for the public to use before dark, but school leaders are keeping a close eye out for vandals. 

"It's got a lot of things to do so it's one we'd like to come to a lot,” said parent Sara Smith. 

Smith enjoys spending time with her children at the Central Elementary playground. She said it's one of the few places in downtown Coweta where families can bring their kids. 

"We love coming out here and spending time together and burning off some energy," Smith said. 

Just this week, Smith said she noticed damage to the playground. 

School principal Sherri Dotson said she found obscene graffiti near the slide and burn marks to the picnic tables and the turf. 

"Someone has tried to ignite the turf luckily it didn't light on fire. There's some burn marks on our picnic tables under the outdoor classroom where someone maybe shot fireworks," Dotson said. 

Dotson said this isn't the first time the playground was vandalized. In July, someone also egged the equipment. 

She said the staff cleaned up most of the damage but now they're asking the community to help them look out for suspicious activity. 

"I want it to be something the community can feel proud of, but we need them to step in and assist because if they're here and they see something destructive, we need their assistance," Dotson said. 

"It's very disappointing and sad that it's brand new and that people aren't taking care of it," Smith said. 

The playground is off limits after dark. Coweta Police are aware of the issue and is keeping an extra eye on the property.