The Standard Times reported:
San Angelo police are seeking information about damages to three gates, including one that was torn off the hinges, and roads at the Equalization Channel this weekend — causing $5,000 to $8,000 worth of damage.
Sometime in the late-night hours of Saturday to the early morning hours of Sunday, someone forced entry and damaged the gates and the maintained roads leading to the North Pool of Twin Buttes, police said. The vehicle then went “mudding” on the dirt road.
“One of (the gates) looked like someone hooked onto it with a big pickup and a chain and jerked it completely off its hinges,” Operations Director Shane Kelton said.
At least two other gates had latches busted or broken, he said.
This is not good news. I lost windsurfing access for months the last time a knucklehead damaged pumps at the South Pool.
Lake and Park Police closed the gates about 5:30 p.m. Friday after the first rain spell came through the city, Kelton said. The city began locking the area years ago when officials noticed people tearing up roads every time it rained.
A Standard-Times reporter said he saw hundreds of pickups and all-terrain vehicles at the Equalization Channel this weekend.
“Once the gates came down, it was just a free-for-all,” Kelton said.
With all the debris and repair needed in the city, he said it would be quite some time before crews can fix the roads and gates.
Anyone with information about the identity or location of the person, or people, involved are asked to call the Police Department’s 24-hour Tip Hotline at 855-847-7247 or text TIP SAPD followed by the message to 888777.
When irresponsible people trash Twin Buttes, responsible users often pay the price. I don't know the best way to deter people intent on doing harm to property, but I do want Twin Buttes to remain accessible to responsible citizens.
Part of Twin Buttes existence is recreation. I'm not sure how Twin Buttes Master Recreation Plan accommodates four wheelers of all sizes, but it bears exploration.
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