Vandals Hit Malta SkatePark

The summer sun rested peacefully in the western sky last Wednesday evening, and day was turning into night. All that could be heard was the chirp of a cricket or a mosquito zapping into an electric zapper. The birds were quiet and the good people of Malta were retiring.

Then there are a few that didn't go to bed, and by no means were peaceful. These are the ones that spent their time showing off their talents, lack of respect, maturity, and plain ol' common sense and vandalized the skate park in Hillcrest.

Mayor John Demarais said it well, "To the Citizens of Malta well here we are again. Once again someone amongst us seems to take great enjoyment in destroying the nice things we enjoy. This skate park was a gift from Jeff Ament who is from Big Sandy. He is the bass player for Pearl Jam, a world famous band. Jeff has built these all over Montana, he is remembering his roots," in his post on social media.

City Public Works Director Jim Truelove and the Sheriff's Office was notified and an officer responded.

"It's sad to think this type of behavior has finally come to Malta, but it has," states Truelove.

Material to restore the skate park to its original state was ordered through Evergreen Skate Parks, who built the entertainment area for the residents of Malta.

Not only was the graffiti attempting to make a statement to law enforcement, it was directed toward those who are already struggling, those who have pondered suicide.

The paintings were anti-christian, satanic and demonic statements, as well.

"It's a shame it had come to this. It is hateful and hurtful...," said Truelove. The cost is yet to be determined, it is estimated to be in the range of $2,000 to $5,000, depending on man hours to clean it, in addition to the cost of the special remover that had to be ordered.

When the culprit(s) are caught, they will be responsible for those costs. Anyone having any information that might assist with the matter are encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 654-2350, Officer Faith Robinson is the investigating officer.

This type of action is usually the work of more than one individual, as it is known that to do vandalism and not have anyone to show off to and share it with is rare. Anyone with information that assists in the resolution of the matter may be entitled to a reward from Crime Stoppers. There's your opportunity to do the right thing and help out.