Discouraged by Vandalism

Recently our course was redesigned and as such needed new signage. A friend of mine and I spent many hours working on them (me sketching the hole layouts and her converting it to an illustrator file). We also did a map of the course to go on the two kiosks at the start of each nine. They really looked amazing in the end. That was early this summer.

I just played the two course two weeks ago to discover that the plexy glass over the course maps has been shattered on one and chipped badly from a blow on the other. The first tee sign also has chips in it from repeated blows. To top it all off, someone spit chewing tobacco on the raw sign after breaking the glass. The kiosks are filling up with vulgar graffiti as well.

I was one of the co founders of our local disc golf club and am acting president. I have been operating under the mission of being a positive force in our local scene in the community and on the course. I am often encouraging the grounds-keeper/course designer who built the course nearly all by himself initially to not be discouraged and not give up...that we will continue to counter the bad element on the course with positive action. I've tried to encourage him along the way...even when two baskets were stolen and even when an amazing message board/sheltered bench he built himself was partially burned down because it was next to a garbage that someone started on fire.

Well now I see where he's coming from a bit more when I see my own project maliciously damaged/defaced. I'm usually up-beat, but this one is really bothering me. A few days ago I was tempted to say, "I'm done as a disc golf volunteer/ambassador in our community." I'm not in that place anymore, but I could appreciate encouragement myself at this point and hoped I might find it here among so many others that volunteer their time and efforts to make the sport they love better for others.

Has this happened elsewhere? Any ideas on how to stop it and raise the bar of accountability and stewardship?

[Brandon Swanson]

Those are some samples of the signs we created. The map is similar in style.

[Terry "the Pirate" Calhoun]

They're beautiful signs. It's very sad that anyone would think of harming them.

[Mark Janssen]

It's an endless battle. Fortunately in the main park I help run we have a entrance gate and fee. This dramatically eliminates most of the the vandalism as people are paying to use the park and that eliminate most random visitors and damages. It's one of those things you almost have to count on when you plan you course and the follow-up maintenance. Someone is always going to either break a tee sign or a lawn tractor may clip a basket and bend it. Somewhat part of the big picture. Now that doesn't help get over the "ownership" feeling when you work gets damaged, butif you adjust your expectation going in, its a lot easier.
mark

[Brandon Swanson]

That's some good advice. Thanks Mark. I guess we did have a sustainability plan. The signs can be reprinted at a minimal cost as they were donated by a company that used their left-over scrap PVC material. So everything is replaceable. I'm just at a loss to understand the why. I thought having really nice signage out there might help to dissuade vandalism...hold our course to a higher standard... I don't know. It is good to remember that it can all be replaced if necessary.

[Jamie 'gr8rocshot' Ruane]

Nice Graphics Brandon....

Yeah it comes with the territory...Dirtbags will be Dirtbags....

There really isn't a good solution to stopping it...reporting the damage to LE is what you should do...however it likely won't solve it...LE has to see the damage occur in order to make an arrest.


Taking matters in to your own hands...while fun and exciting...isn't really a good solution. However... catching, confronting and putting the fear of god into a dirtbag...may have some positive effect!!! lol ...keep in mind though assault/battery is a tad more serious then vandilism as far as the law's concerned. ; )

[Brandon Swanson]

Lol... I did briefly fantasize about catching and confronting the offenders, but I thought about how I would talk calm sense into them... help them to see the work and care that goes into such a project... watching the realization dawn in their face...listening the their apology and a "I guess I never thought of it that way." :-) I guess I'm a dreamer, but I'm not going to let them get me down forever.

ps... do you ever do any vigilante/bounty hunter work Jamie? jk

[Disc Player Sports]

Careful,
Put a bounty out for vandals.
Anyone catches them gets a FREE: __________________ .

[Jamie 'gr8rocshot' Ruane]

LOL !!! But I know a guy with a psycho boxer...maybe he could drop ship him to you.

...the best advice...is to be prepared for the possibility of vandals...plan for it if you can afford it..have some back parts and pieces.

[Disc Player Sports]

Happens and unfortunately will continue to be so, unless caught in the act in public parks.
Here is what is at Marshall Street Private Course

[Jamie 'gr8rocshot' Ruane]

So....Brandon...next time you design a sign...don't forget the DPS Psycho Dog picture.

[Disc Player Sports]

You are 'barking up the wrong tree?"
Now have 3 boxers!

[Jamie 'gr8rocshot' Ruane]

I don't know if I'd put my face too close to that nutball !!! lmao!!!