GLACE BAY, N.S. — A memorial park named in memory of Jaycee Tracey, a four-year-old girl who died suddenly after contracting meningococcal septicemia in early May, has been damaged by vandals.
The vandalism was reported on Sunday by passersby who saw damaged benches and the siding of a building torn off.
Members of the Glace Bay Community Commons Society, the group responsible for the renaming of the park, surveyed the damage the following day.
There were two cameras operating in the park. One was possibly pointed up towards the sky by the vandal(s), and footage from the other was sent to the Cape Breton Regional Police.
“We are not sure if there was anything found on the tape as of yet,” said Charlene Bradbury of the Glace Bay Community Commons Society.
Damage to the benches is estimated at $2,500, with no price tag for new siding as of yet. Money for the damages will come from Community Commons Society funding, with talk of money being directed towards additional cameras and an always-on light in the park.
Despite the upset in the community, Bradbury says people have been very helpful in coming forward with information and she hopes the park will continue to serve as a well-deserved memorial for Tracey.
“The community has been very helpful with sharing information on Facebook,” she said. “We want everyone to respect the park for the family members and loved ones, because it’s there for them.”
