The city of Soddy-Daisy hopes to combat vandalism and increase safety in its parks by adding surveillance cameras. City Manager Janice Cagle said city commissioners have been discussing installing cameras in the city's parks for several years, but have been waiting until they could cover the cost without stretching the budget.
"We've had some vandalism, and we felt like it will make the parks more safe," Cagle said.
The most recent acts of vandalism occurred approximately two to three months ago, when someone tore the doors off the bathrooms at North Park. About a year ago, in the same park, someone knocked holes into a stage just after it had been built, Cagle said.
At least one camera each will be installed in Veterans Park, at North Park near the pavilion and playground, and at Holly Park by the boat ramp. Two or more cameras will be added to the area around City Hall and the Scramble Alley playground.
The total cost of the cameras is $13,000, which came from money designated for recreation in this year's budget, said Cagle.
The cameras can be monitored in the Police Department's dispatch office, and Public Works Director Steve Grant can watch what cameras are recording on his cellphone through Wi-Fi, she said.
Cagle said all of the cameras have been ordered, and will be installed once they have all been received.