Resident urges police patrols and cameras after reports of teen trouble at Veterans Memorial Park

During public comment at the March 4 Mount Vernon City Council meeting, Christina Reyes said she and other parents are concerned about older youths harassing younger children, using foul language, causing trouble at Veterans Memorial Park, and throwing rocks in the lake and at the ducks.

Mayor John Lewis acknowledged awareness of vandalism and juvenile misbehavior in the park and said the city can have police start extra patrols in the area. Police Chief Trent Page said the number of out‑of‑control juveniles has intensified in recent years and is occurring in locations beyond the park. Mayor Lewis also said the city is planning to add additional cameras at Veterans Memorial Park and thanked Ms. Reyes for raising the concern.

Chief Page and Mayor Lewis encouraged residents to contact police when incidents occur so officers can respond and document problems. The minutes do not record a formal referral, a written complaint, or a schedule for camera installation; no specific enforcement or programmatic changes were recorded in the minutes.