Vandals not playing golf on Paragon greens

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The general manager of the Paragon Golf and Country Club says repeated acts of vandalism on the Kingston course are “hurtful to the whole community.”

Gerry MacMillan reports, since the course opened this spring, between 20 and 25 incidents of vandalism have been called into the local RCMP.

“From theft to breakage and destruction of the greens, we have experienced all kinds of problems.”

While the golf club experiences some vandalism each year, MacMillan says this year has been much worse.

“Right now, it’s happening about two to three times per week - after dusk and, lately, when it is raining.”

He said there was a bit of lull in July, but activity has increased again.

MacMillan is frustrated with the “wanton vandalism” he says just creates “damage for damage sake.” He suspects alcohol is involved, as beer and liquor bottles are often cleaned up along with any damage.

So far the cost of cleaning up the mess left behind by vandals has run in excess of $1,000.

“It may not sound like a lot, but we are a community-based, not-for-profit club, so that amount of money represents a considerable loss for us. And, we have had to devote a lot of staff time to clean up as well.”

MacMillan also admits to being frustrated by the lack of action by the RCMP, called after each incident. He says a member of the Kingston detachment comes out each time, asking the same questions over and over.

“They go through the motions, but seem to need to know more about me than anything else.”

MacMillan’s interaction with the RCMP has left him with the impression the vandalism at the golf course isn’t a high priority. “Frankly, I think our problems are low on their totem pole.”

Realistic about his ability to patrol the course 24/7, MacMillan says he doesn’t have a problem with people being on the course after hours.

“Sure, kids go out there and use it as a short cut - but they don’t need to leave damage behind.”

He says efforts to make Paragon “a nice facility for local people to enjoy” are being compromised by the vandalism.

“We are proud to be part of this community, but this kind of activity reflects badly on everyone. And I just want it to stop.”