News

Jun 05, 2023

Marine City Little League bathrooms vandalized

MARINE CITY - While vandalized bathrooms were an upsetting find for members of the Marine City Little League, community efforts to help restore the facilities has also restored a little faith. The

MARINE CITY - While vandalized bathrooms were an upsetting find for members of the Marine City Little League, community efforts to help restore the facilities has also restored a little faith.

The vandalism in the King Road Park bathrooms was discovered on April 10, according to Marine City Little League President Dan Van de Vyver. The park is largely used by the Marine City Little League, which has 180 players between the ages of 4 and 13 years old. Van de Vyver said city officials responded great.

“The city did a great job responding so quick,” he said. “We have a good rapport with them. This is city owned property and we do as much as we can to help maintain it.”

Van de Vyver estimates there was at least $750 worth of damage. It’s unknown when the vandalism took place because there are no cameras near the bathrooms. Additionally, the bathrooms had been winterized and locked since October.

Two of the four bathrooms were vandalized. In one, cigarette ashes were found in the sink and a vape was found in the toilet. The toilet paper holder and paper towel dispenser were removed from the wall. The other bathroom received more extensive damage, with the toilet being smashed and toilet paper strung on the wall.

“I’ll never understand why anybody would do something like that,” Van de Vyver said.

The damaged toilet was removed and a new one has been ordered. Van de Vyver said it will hopefully be installed before the season opening on May 6.

Van de Vyver said the community has responded to the situation with great support. LaFontaine Chevy, Buick GMC St. Clair has donated $750 to help repair the bathroom. Additionally, Van de Vyver said Flats Epoxy in Ira Township has offered to repair the bathroom floors.

“Some good has come out of this situation,” Van de Vyver said.

Van de Vyver said the best way to support the Marine City Little League is to donate and to simply watch the games during the season. Additionally, the little league hosts a field clean up day a few weeks before the first game. The public is invited to join them on April 22.

The facilities at King Road Park were largely built by volunteers from the Marine City Little League. The bathrooms that were vandalized were at least eight years old.

Van de Vyver said there may be discussions about installing cameras at the park moving forward.

Contact McKenna Golat at [email protected] or (810) 292-0122.