Residents call for fencing, lighting and cameras at Winter Haven skate park amid vandalism and safety concerns

Several Winter Haven residents urged the city commission on Monday to improve safety and amenities at the city’s skate park, asking for fencing, lighting, cameras, shade, benches and a water fountain to address vandalism and what they described as a persistent “bad crowd.”

“There's no surveillance. There's no police presence,” said Alex Loftus, who identified his address and told the commission his younger brother had been antagonized and hit with thrown rocks while at the park. “It should be treated like every other park here in Winter Haven…It's maintained, but the park itself is not.”

Jessie Scubna, who said she and her family were advocates for building the skate park, recommended fencing to create a single controlled entrance and exit, as well as cameras to deter vandalism. “I believe the fence is very important,” Scubna said, and she also asked for lighting, benches, shade and a water fountain to make the facility safer and more usable in hot weather.

During the commissioners’ reports, Commissioner Dantzler noted the comments and told staff, “We're on it, and Scott Eilers is here from Parks and Recreation,” indicating the parks staff would inspect the facility. The commission recorded no formal vote on the park; commissioners and staff described the matter as an operational concern that staff will examine and return with options.

Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs: fencing could reduce open‑park aesthetics but provide controllable hours and security; cameras could help identify repeat vandals, and additional seating, shade and a water fountain would address user comfort and safety during hot weather. Residents at the meeting asked the commission to consider funding sources cited in the budget discussion, including community redevelopment or other available funds, to pay for improvements.

Background and next steps: the skate park is part of a larger waterfront park complex; residents said the park is a unique asset but that maintenance and safety attention have lagged. Parks staff committed to inspecting the site immediately and assessing costs and options for fencing, lighting, cameras, shade structures, benches and a fountain. Any capital work would return to the commission for funding authorization.