A recent case of criminal mischief last weekend at a local park may have been a prank but proves to be a costly expense for the City of Brownwood.

Just short of its one year anniversary of being dedicated to honor a former Brownwood City Councilman, Pat Coursey Park was vandalized as thieves stole lettering off of the fountain.  Seven letters were taken from the fountain that read “Pat Coursey Park,” which are valued at approximately $100 each.

According to City of Brownwood Parks & Recreation Director David Withers, the remaining letters were taken down because they just didn’t look good.

“You try to spend money to make something look nice, but if it is not taken care of, people wonder why you don’t just take it down,” said Withers who explained the lettering was chosen rather than cheap signage to make it look nicer.  “We’re going to try to find a way to make it permanent, trying to find a new way to secure the lettering.”

Withers stated that the city does plan to replace the letters but need a better way to secure them so that they cannot be taken so easily.  He explained that the thieves were able to simply pry the lettering off of the bricks.

The park was renamed after Coursey in February 2012 and dedicated in September of 2012 based on significant and lasting contributions he made to the City of Brownwood.

Center Park (the original name of the park) was completed in October 2003 as part of the Downtown Renovation Project and is located at 200 Center Avenue at the intersection of Center and E. Baker Street.  Many recognize the park for the horse décor of the fountain.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call Brownwood Police Department at 325-646-2525.

Pictured above is fountain and lettering after the criminal mischief.