Playing fields at High Hill Park in Gloucester County damaged by vandals

WOOLWICH TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Officials are asking for the public's help after a vehicle caused thousands of dollars in damage to an athletic field at High Hill Park following last weekend's snowfall.

The park, a popular spot for walking and sledding, features baseball and soccer fields. Officials say one of those fields was torn up by someone driving a truck where vehicles are not allowed.

"It's unfortunate that someone would do that. And I was surprised at the amount of damage it did to the fields," said Rick Gallagher of Logan Township.

Deep tire tracks now cover the field, which will need repairs before youth sports resume in the spring. The area behind the field's fence is a favorite sledding spot for families, Woolwich Township Mayor Natalie Matthias said.

"The back area, where you can see where the fence is, it's a nice little spot where people in the community come to sled," Matthias said. "So we ask that everybody parks in the parking lot to sled and have fun. But unfortunately, some grinch decided to drive their vehicle onto the field and caused a lot of damage."

Matthias posted about the vandalism this week, urging residents to share any information. She said this is not the first time the park has been damaged.

While cameras are installed, they do not cover the affected area.

Public works estimates the repairs will cost about $10,000.

"This is all of our tax dollars at work here. And that means we can't use it for other things," Matthias said. "With such a high price tag of $10,000, we really want to catch who is responsible for this."

Police believe the tire marks were made by a regular vehicle, not an ATV or quad.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Woolwich Township police.