Editorial

Individuals can make a difference. The Lions Park Assn. knows this

and, as a result, recently set up a group to patrol the park to make it

safer.

Lions Park is one of many parks in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach where

razor blades intentionally placed on playground equipment have turned up.

It all started in March, when blades were found in Marina Park in

Newport Beach. About a week later, they popped up in Heller Park. By late

April, the razors were replaced with glass shards that began appearing in

Newport Beach parks.

Since the Costa Mesa Police Department has its hands full with other

crimes, in addition to those in the parks, others have pitched in. The

city’s Parks Department also now patrols Heller, Pinkley and Lions parks

three times daily.

Also in April, a group of residents near Heller Park began collecting

money to set up a reward to catch the culprit or culprits.

Now, more residents in the form of the Lions Park Assn. have

volunteered their efforts to assure their park stays safe by patrolling

it randomly.

If there’s anything that can prevent the further placing of razor

blades and glass shards in neighborhood playgrounds, it’s teamwork. If

the guilty party thinks there’s a possibility the playground is being

watched by anyone, the park will more than likely be avoided and remain

safe.

We applaud and thank those who have volunteered their time to ensure

that the children who use these parks can do so without having to worry

about being cut or otherwise injured. We also hope that others will

follow suit until the cowardly acts cease.

Thanks to those who are leading the charge.