Extensive damage to soccer field, beach area in Carleton Place

Provincial police are asking the public for help identifying those responsible for the “extensive damage” to recreational facilities in Carleton Place.

The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the first incident happened at the soccer field at the intersection of Woodward and Boyd Streets. Police believe it happened June 9 at around 2:30 a.m.

Police told CityNews Ottawa the drivers of a grey Jeep and two small motorcycles were doing “donuts” around the field and left “deep ridges” in the grass.

“It also costs the municipality and community money to repair the damage and impacts local kids who play soccer on these fields,” an OPP press release reads.

A day later, on June 10 at 12:30 a.m. the same suspects caused damage to the grounds at the Riverside Park Beach area on John Street.

Officials said the same sort of vandalism occurred, with the lawns surrounding the beach area and splash pad vandalized leaving tire marks.

“It’s not a prank,” Bill Dickson, media relations officer with OPP said. “Someone can be arrested and charged even if they think it was just a harmless prank.”