Armidale Regional Council is calling-out residents for causing considerable damage to playing fields on the weekend.
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Council general manager James Roncon said some 'muppets' had decided to drive a vehicle on the saturated Wicklow playing fields and take an off-road motorbike on Harris Park.
Mr Roncon said the five minutes of so called 'fun' these vandals 'think they are having' has a financial impact on council's already stretched budget.
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"We are very proud of our parks, gardens and playing fields, as is the community," Mr Roncon said.
"So when someone deliberately damages them for no reason it is extremely disappointing.
"Currently many of our sporting fields are closed due to the saturated ground.
"We don't like to close the fields but damage from playing on wet fields can cost several thousands and involve heavy rolling, aerating, top dressing, sowing, fertilising and extra irrigation."
These 'senseless acts' have potentially impacted community sport and left the fields unplayable for some time, according to the frustrated general manager.
"Not to mention diverting council's limited funds to pay for the rehabilitation of the damaged surfaces," he said.
"We have a photo of the head 'muppet' on their motorbike at Harris Park and are hopeful that they can be identified.
"As a community we should have a zero tolerance approach to this type of behaviour."
Outdoor spaces across the Armidale region are water logged after above average rainfall has fallen consistently during the last month.
Community sport has been impacted due to the closure of sporting fields and council's maintenance schedule has been heavily impacted because parks and gardens staff cannot mow saturated areas.
Council is asking the community to be on the look-out for this type of behaviour and report it to the police.
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