Vandalism is both pathetic and pointless.
Yeah, I get it …
Back in the day, Kurt Cobain smashing a stage with his guitar was pretty cool – it certainly made for a shocking show. But even then, the older I get, the less that kind of performance makes sense to me. The clean-up must’ve sucked for the club owner, right? And the expense …
Ouch.
So when I head out to one of my local disc golf courses and find multiple baskets in shambles, I’m left scratching my head. Seriously, the effort that goes into wrecking a modern-day basket is mind-boggling. I’m talking ATVs, backhoes and jackhammers – it’s labor-intensive stuff.
And all this under the cover of darkness, mind you.
It’s not just the baskets, either …
I’m certain you’ve seen this before:
- Toppled tee signs.
- Graffiti on teepads.
- Busted water fountains.
- Disc chargers atop benches.
You don’t know me, but I’ve got a LONG fuse …
Virtually nothing sets me off.
This does, though.
Time and time again, I’m left asking myself the same question …
“Why?”
Assuming you love disc golf and aren’t hopped up on goofballs, you’re not likely to destroy the very thing that brings you pleasure. And if you’re not a disc golfer, how much enjoyment could destruction generate? There MUST be easier ways for the clinically insane to get their kicks …
I’ve been a disc golfer for over half my life: This isn’t a localized issue. It’s everywhere, and it’s mortifying. I’m not limiting this to disc golf, either. If it’s park-related, please leave it be.
And if you can’t, here’s a revelatory idea:
- Step No. 1 – Get a job.
- Step No. 2 – Pay taxes.
Trust me: The “thrill” of it all will go away.
*** End of Dad Rant ***
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You can’t watch over all the stuff you care about all the time. Fact of life. This is why God made trail cams. (Either one of the gods made them or told someone to, I’m unclear on the details) Disguised and hidden at park entrances & exits & various points around the course, pictures of these miscreants become available and, later, the miscreants can find out that actions have consequences. At a course relatively near me, the course supervisor
routinely places trail cams here & there. He’s caught a few kids – not so much kids as 18 to 23 year olds with too much time on their hands late in the evenings & past mid-night. It is an interesting discussion when grampa has to make a decision as to pay several thousand
dollars in damages or let their beloved grand child attend jail for a while. I thought I’d suggest that as an option for your neighborhood because it has worked where I live.
Interesting idea, Charlie!
I’ve never heard of trail cameras on disc golf courses …
If the funds are there, not a bad idea – thanks!
In my area of Twin Cities, Mn, it is tradition to put your nickname or name and date sharpied on the wooden hole # post of a hole you aced. Even though wooden posts seem to be replaced now with metal signs, (and thankfully no one is sharpie-ing them, …or getting aces), would you still consider this tradition vandalism?
Man, that’s a tough one …
Here in Utah, there are “bra trees” on ski slopes, as well.
Is it vandalism?
Eh, probably not …
But I wouldn’t have a cow if the parks and rec guys tear down the pole, either.
I’d say you’re probably good, but vandalism is (partially) in the eye of the beholder, you know?