Christmas display vandalized 2 days in a row at Staten Island park

New York’s Staten Island. According to online social media posts from a local resident, the Christmas display in Westerleigh Park was discovered torn up two days in a row, suggesting that the Grinch might face some competition this year.

A concerned Westerleigh resident initially alerted Advance/SILive.com to the problem when she revealed that, only days after a tree lighting celebration hosted by the Westerleigh Parks Coalition, the decorations in the center of the park were discovered to be broken.

The individual, who asked not to be identified, said, “I just want it to be known that the community does work so hard together.” On Saturday, we had a lovely Christmas tree lighting, and everything went wonderfully. then then we woke up to vandalism yesterday morning (Monday), then we woke up to much worse vandalism today (Tuesday).

Two nights in a row, there were reports of vandalism to the Christmas decorations in the middle of Westerleigh Park. The display’s condition is depicted in these pictures taken late on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Luke Peteley/Staten Island AdvanceLuke Pete/Staten Island Advance

Most people agree that the holidays are the best time of year. The emotion of giving is prevalent during this time, and for others, the desire to share Christmas cheer is embodied in dazzling displays of jolly old Saint Nicholas and his faithful reindeer.

The heart of Westerleigh Park serves as a home for that spirit for the residents of Westerleigh. In the gazebo, which is also decked out with red garland and bows, a Christmas tree rises tall.

On Tuesday morning, though, the Christmas display looked haphazard. The park was filled with lights hanging haphazardly from trees and bows pulled from their poles. Gift box-shaped decorations and a falling ornament with its own damage were discovered damaged.

A cable held the large man’s boot in place as Santa and two reindeer decorations fell between two trees.

According to online social media posts, the lights were broken on Monday when the tree was reportedly thrown from the raised gazebo. According to the Westerleigh resident, the tree was discovered missing from the gazebo on Tuesday.

Numerous locals expressed their annoyance with the activities in the comments section of a social media post that included pictures of Tuesday’s damage.

“This is really unfortunate,” one commenter said. I’m really depressed about it. For years, this has been a neighborhood custom, and we have never experienced problems like this. I hope the person responsible for [this] is apprehended and forced to correct it. These children require responsibility.

A number of commenters proposed installing cameras in the park in order to apprehend the offender.

Another remark reads, “This is just awful.” Who or what kind of person does this? I recently went to the tree lighting on Saturday since I adore my area. This is really depressing.

The residents of Westerleigh do not think the destruction was intentional, but they do not know who might have committed the crimes.

According to the resident, “I reached out because I just know how much people love and dedicate their time to this place.” It should be known that this site is amazing and shouldn’t be destroyed.