Vine Grove Cracks Down on Park Vandals With New 360° Surveillance Cameras at Optimist Park

VINE GROVE, KENTUCKY — The City of Vine Grove is ramping up its security efforts at Optimist Park after a string of vandalism incidents caused thousands of dollars in damage and ongoing safety concerns.

City leaders say vandals have repeatedly damaged playground equipment, defaced bathrooms, and torn up grassy areas with cars doing donuts. Officials also reported kids entering the splash pad area after hours, despite clear safety warnings and park closures.

New High-Tech Cameras to Track Vandalism

In response, Vine Grove officials have approved the installation of new Flock Safety cameras, which will provide 360-degree surveillance coverage and automatically track vehicle license plates entering the park at all hours.

Mayor Pam Ogden said the technology will immediately alert police when unauthorized visitors enter the area outside of operating hours.

“If something happens and you come in our park at four in the morning, that Flock camera is going to notify our police — and our police are going to come,” Ogden warned.

The park, which is meant to serve as a safe space for families and children, has become a costly hotspot for vandalism. City leaders say they’re determined to protect the park’s facilities and ensure community members can enjoy it safely.

Parents and Community Urged to Help

The city is asking parents to talk with their children about respecting public property and to make sure minors do not visit the park unsupervised outside daylight hours.

Anyone caught destroying or defacing city property will face vandalism charges and a permanent ban from the park, officials said.

Vine Grove Police are also encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or unsafe behavior at the park immediately.

Community Safety Comes First

Mayor Ogden emphasized that the city’s goal is not just enforcement but also prevention and education.

“We want our community to enjoy this park — it’s here for families. But we also want everyone to understand that damaging property affects all of us,” Ogden said.

Optimist Park remains open during daylight hours only, with surveillance expected to go live later this month.

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