Japanese Peace Garden vandalized again
Moses Lake Parks and Recreation released still images from video footage featuring suspects vandalizing the Japanese Peace Garden.
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department offers a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspects responsible for damaging the Japanese Peace Garden in Moses Lake.
The park was damaged July 17th and July 24th.
Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Grigg called the incidents devastating and sad.
He explained several decorative lanterns were toppled over and broken along with benches, railing, pavers and landscaping. Grigg said several of the decorations were gifts from Moses Lake’s sister city; Yonezawa, Japan, while others were purchased by the city.
He said it was difficult to place a monetary value on the damages but estimates that with broken decorations and time spent repairing it, it could total between $5,000 and $10,000.
City Manager Joe Gavinski said the suspects came from the rear of the garden which is not used as a public access. The suspects were caught on video surveillance footage each time.
He said each time, the suspects wore masks covering their faces.
During the first vandalism incident, two suspects entered the park and during the second incident one or two suspects entered the park and destroyed items. During each incident, the suspects entered the park after it was closed during the night.
Anyone with information related to the vandalism is asked to call the Moses Lake Police Department at 509-766-9230.