BREAKING: 2 La Grande parks marred by vehicle damage

BREAKING: 2 La Grande parks marred by vehicle damage

Published 11:09 am Friday, January 2, 2026

LA GRANDE — La Grande Parks and Recreation is seeking information regarding significant damage at both Pioneer Park and Benton Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence announced on Friday, Jan. 2, that a vehicle, or possibly vehicles, caused the damage at both parks.

“It’s always frustrating when people damage places meant for kids and families,” Spence said. “Due to the nature of the damage, repairs will need to wait until spring, and the affected areas may take more than a year to fully recover.”

The damage at Pioneer Park happened sometime during the night of Dec. 30, at the soccer field near the pavilion, according to the press release. Similar damage was done during the night of Dec. 31 to the play field at Benton Park.

Youth sports programs and families throughout the community heavily use both of the parks. Parks and Rec will continue to assess the sites, Spence said, and develop a plan to repair the damage as conditions allow.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Parks and Rec or the La Grande Police Department.