Beaverton Community Condemns Graffiti at Local Ball Diamonds

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Police are investigating after vandals spray-painted foul language and hate symbols, including swastikas, on a building at the baseball diamonds in Beaverton overnight on Wednesday, May 13th.

The graffiti targeted a community facility used by local baseball teams, families, and community events.

Volunteer Shana Stephenson, of the Beaverton Minor Baseball Association, said the incident was upsetting for the many volunteers and residents who work to maintain the park.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see our park building vandalized like this,” Ms. Stephenson said. “This space is here for everyone in the community, families, kids, teams, and events. Volunteers and community members work hard to keep these spaces clean and welcoming, and damage like this takes time and money away from improving our park.”

Ms. Stephenson also encouraged anyone with information about those responsible to come forward privately.

“Let’s work together to keep our community spaces something we can all be proud of,” she said.

Community member Lisa McArthur said the vandalism was disturbing to see in a space meant for children and families.

“It’s heartbreaking to think someone would do this to a place that brings so many people together,” Ms. McArthur said. “The ball park is a big part of the community, and thankfully there are a lot more good people here than bad ones.”

The vandalism was reported to police, who investigated the scene Thursday before municipal staff began repainting the building later that afternoon.

Mayor Mike Jubb provided updates throughout the day, describing the vandalism as “unfortunate and despicable.”

“As many are aware, the ball diamond area in Beaverton was vandalized with paint last night in the middle of the night,” Mayor Jubb said Thursday. “The police have just wrapped up their investigation and staff have been given the go ahead to paint the disgusting mess.”

He thanked municipal employees for responding quickly to the incident and working to restore the facility before evening baseball activities.

“They are heading over there now at 4 p.m., and we’ll get things cleaned up as best they can before the kids get there for baseball practice tonight,” he said. “I just wanted to provide an update for everyone that staff and the police have been working on this unfortunate and despicable event all day.”

Mayor Jubb also urged anyone with information to contact police directly.

By Friday, the building had been fully repainted.

“Kudos to our amazing Parks staff for painting the whole building that was hit with graffiti yesterday,” Mayor Jubb said in a follow-up statement. “It looks like it's brand new.”

Police continue to investigate the incident.