Authorities investigating vandalism at Confluence, Wanlass parks, ask public for aid

Written by Mori Kessler
April 23, 2020

ST. GEORGE — Authorities are investigating a cases of vandalism at Confluence Park and Wanlass Park in LaVerkin.

Authorities are investigating incidents of graffiti found at and around the old power station at the Confluence Park near LaVerkin, Utah, April, 22, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Laura Snow, St. George News

Confluence Park

According to a Thursday press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of graffiti at the nature park and are asking for the public’s aid in finding the party responsible.

Incidents of graffiti appear to be focused around the hydroelectric old power station with “SSM3,” “Troubles” and other markings scribbled on the building, wall and nearby piping.

“If you have seen similar graffiti, or possibly know who may have vandalized this property; we are asking you contact the Sheriff’s Office,” the Sheriff’s Office said in the press release.

Sheriff’s Lt. David Crouse told St. George News that people should contact authorities if anyone saw anything suspicious in the area or may have come across discarded blue and black paint cans at the park, as those were the colors used in the graffiti.

Anyone with information is being asked to call dispatch at 435-634-5730 or email [email protected]. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they choose. Reference Incident no. 20W001722.

Confluence Park covers 344 acres where Ash Creek and LaVerkin Creek meet and is managed by Washington County through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve office. Recently, the park has become the focus of restoration work that includes plans for a trailhead and bridges in the area connecting various trails, as well as possibly turning the old power station into a museum or other public space.

Graffiti found at Wanlass Park in LaVerkin, Utah, April 23, 2020 | Photo courtesy of the LaVerkin Police Department, St. George News

Wanlass Park

The LaVerkin City Police Department reported Thursday afternoon that it was also investigating similar graffiti found at Wanlass Park.

“Officers determined that the graffiti observed at the park matched the same graffiti style that had been reported in Confluence Park,” the LaVerkin Police stated in a press release.

The LaVerkin City Police is asking the public for assistance in identifying the party responsible for the vandalism of city property. If anyone has information, they are asked to call the nonemergency dispatch number at 435-634-5730 and reference LaVerkin Police Incident no. 20L000639.

Ed. note: This story has been updated with information from the LaVerkin City Police Department.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mori Kessler serves as a Senior Reporter for St. George News, having previously contributed as a writer and Interim Editor in 2011-12, and an assistant editor from 2012 to mid-2014. He began writing news as a freelancer in 2009 for Today in Dixie, and joined the writing staff of St. George News in mid-2010. He enjoys photography and won an award for photojournalism from the Society of Professional Journalists for a 2018 photo of a bee inspector removing ferals bees from a Washington City home. He is also a shameless nerd and has a bad sense of direction.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MoriKessler@STGnews

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