It was a recent act of vandalism which led to a temporary closure of the Steven Morgan Skate Park in Milton. The damage came in the form of graffiti which was found at the skate park following a memorial event Friday. The skate park reopened on Monday afternoon.
According to Kyle Kemp, events coordinator at the Guy Thompson Community Center, the three areas of graffiti were discovered around noon on Friday, after nearly 40 individuals occupied the skate park for a memorial gathering in honor of Jesse Abney. Abney, 20, was killed on Thursday after being struck by a vehicle on Dogwood Drive. Police are investigating his death.
A ‘RIP JESSE’ signage was placed on the chain link fence surrounding the skate park.
Due to the graffiti's vulgar nature aiming towards law enforcement, the skate park was closed while city employees worked to remove the graffiti.
Upon learning about the vandalism incident, Milton Council member Patsy Lunsford said she was “very disappointed” in what had occurred.
“I am very disappointed, because we had tried for a long time to have a good wholesome place for them to play,” she said.
Lunsford said the skate park, which has been open to the community since 2007, is named in honor Steven Morgan who along with his family advocated in bringing skate park to Milton.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton skate park vandalized after memorial