Vandal Strikes Again at Frank Melville Memorial Park

More vandalism at Frank Melville Memorial Park was reported Friday morning, making it the third time in the past several weeks that the historic park was vandalized.

According to a police report, the graffiti was sprawled on the bridge at Old Field Road and Main Street sometime between 9 p.m. on Sept. 20 and 9 a.m. on Sept. 21.

Previously, more extensive damage was found Sept. 8 at the park's north bridge and the Mill House. Damage was also discovered on signs and benches at a separate park managed by the Three Village Garden Club.

According to Robert Reuter, president of the Frank Melville Memorial Foundation, the park has spent about $1,000 cleaning up the graffiti.

However, he said, "It is nearly impossible to remove all traces, especially from stone, and faint images remain." He said the foundation has encouraged increased patrols at the park from the Suffolk County police.

"Some have suggested security cameras but we are reluctant to take that step, though it remains an option," Reuter said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to indicate that Frank Melville Memorial Park and the Three Village Garden Club park are separate entities.