Vandalism continues to be a costly problem for local parks.

A recent report by Delta's parks and recreation department summarizing the cost of vandalism in 2011 notes that grounds and buildings at municipal parks continue to be a target.

Overall, there were 505 reported acts of vandalism requiring repairs by Delta staff last year. The total cost was almost $70,000, a $16,000 increase over the previous year.

The report notes the main acts of vandalism last year included graffiti (206 incidents), broken glass and trash can damage (81), fence and lighting damage (43), washroom and change room damage (34), and synthetic turf field damage (seven).

Between 2006 and 2009, the rate of park vandalism was relatively unchanged, however, it had declined since 2009 from a high of $92,000 to a low of around $53,000 in 2010.

Adding security overnight during special events to protect assets and patrols during Halloween and high school "hell nights" has also helped reduce vandalism-related acts.

Washroom security locking systems continue to prove effective, however, damage to partitions, fixtures, lighting and counters continues to occur when washrooms are open.

The municipality has begun using graffiti sealant on newer building in order to make it easier to remove graffiti, however, their long-term effectiveness is limited and re-application is expensive.

The report adds that while it appears the cost to repair vandalism is down for 2012, capital costs to install various security features to reduce maintenance costs in parks are increasing.

Every summer, Delta partners with Delta police to hire a group of students to patrol parks in the evenings. The Delta Parks Patrol teams patrol approximately 30 parks in South Delta and 20 in North Delta.

The patrols have stopped vandalism, interrupted parties and dissuaded other lawbreakers simply by their presence and constant patrols, said Const. Ciaran Feenan in an interview earlier this year.

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com