Manly Dam: Police hunt vandals who destroyed lakeside picnic ground
Locals are outraged after finding a tranquil, beautiful lakeside picnic spot destroyed by late night, drunken vandals.
Manly
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Mindless vandals have destroyed a popular picnic spot on the northern beaches.
Evidence left at the scene suggests dimwitted hooligans having a late drinking party at Manly Dam were to blame.
Early morning walkers in what is also called the Manly Warringah War Memorial Park, came across the destruction in the Section 4 picnic area on the southwestern edge of the lake last Thursday.
They found that a wooden framed shelter built over picnic table number 39, which protects up to 10 visitors from the sun and rain, had been wrenched from its footings and smashed to pieces.
Its square, framed corrugated iron roof was left teetering precariously on the wooden table.
Part of a nearby post had speared through one of the sheets of iron.
As part of the after hours “fun” — the gates to the reserve close at 8.30pm in daylight saving time — the lager louts tried to burn a massive tree truck in the concrete barbecue.
They also left smashed glass from alcohol bottles scattered throughout the picnic area. The grubs also left behind empty aluminium can and empty beer and mixed drink cartons.
The picnic ground is close to a designated swimming area in the dam and is popular with seniors and disabled people on outings because of its beautiful views, disabled access and proximity to an amenities block.
A couple of children’s birthday parties that had booked to use the picnic site, have been affected.
It is understood the damage will cost thousands of dollars to repair.
When news of the vandal attack was posted on a community Facebook site, it attracted close to 100 comments attacking the destructive revellers.
One angry local wrote: “My nephew’s first birthday party was booked here for Saturday. Such disgusting behaviour. Nobody is scared of authority these days.”
Another wrote: “I hope it fell on their heads.”
A Northern Beaches Council spokesman said the damage was believed to have been done in the early hours of last Thursday.
“Police have been notified,:" the spokesman said.
“Council is seeking a quote to repair the damage as soon as possible.”
The council urged the community to report vandalism to it by dialling 1300 434 434 or to call Police Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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