Stables Park in Pawleys Island temporarily closed after vandalism

Fall soccer and other sports scheduled at Stables Park field in Pawleys Island are likely to be moved after the park was temporarily closed recently to repair damage caused by vandals, according to a press release.

The park and field complex, off Petigru Drive, was damaged Thursday after a vehicle drove onto the fields, destroying the grass and possibly damaging the irrigation system. The park is closed until further notice, and it’s unknown when it will be reopened, according to the release from Jackie Broach, Georgetown County spokesperson.

Officials said estimates on repair costs are still being prepared and will largely depend on the extent of damage done to the park’s irrigation system.

“It’s very disappointing that someone would do this,”Beth Goodale, parks and recreation department director, said in the release. “This is a facility that sees a lot of use and where a community playground had just been built and opened thanks to the support of residents. Now someone does something like this. It’s pure malice.”

Georgetown County Parks and Recreation and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information on the incident and those responsible. Authorities said vandalism acts to public property are taken seriously, and vandals have been caught up to a year after crimes.

Police said charges will be filed against the person or persons responsible for the vandalism.

The park opened in 2012 and is usually gated when not being used. After a playground was added last month, Georgetown County officials installed fencing around the fields to keep vehicles off the grass; however, authorities said a small vehicle came in through a gap in fencing and drove around on the fields.

Officials said the Stables Park tennis facility off Gilman Road is unaffected by the vandalism and remains open.

Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to contact the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office 546-5101.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 10:17 AM with the headline "Stables Park in Pawleys Island temporarily closed after vandalism."