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Fresh Prince Albert ball park upgrades destroyed

May 15, 2015 | 7:39 AM

Prince Albert Police are investigating a case of vandalism at Downtown Lions Park.

Someone drove a stolen vehicle through the fence – knocking a cement support out of the ground – at Diamond 3 between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Both the infield and outfield were ripped up, the infield back stop was torn down, and there was extensive damage to the foul line and outfield fencing.

The ball diamonds are used by the Prince Albert Slo-Pitch League. 

“Overall you just feel disheartened,” said league president Trevor Gunville, adding that the league had just recently replaced the backstops with some grant money obtained through the Northern Lights Development Corporation.

“And then you go out there this (Thursday) morning after three days of having a new back stop and it’s torn down onto the ground and then you look out and basically the diamond, in so many words, has seen better days,” he said.

Police do have a lead. The truck used to tear up the ball diamond was found abandoned.

Prince Albert Police have confirmed the vehicle found at the scene was in fact stolen.  They are asking with information to contact city police (953-4222) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477)

Jody Boulet, director of community services with the City of Prince Albert, said they have contacted their insurance company.  The monetary value of the damage is unknown at this time.

Boulet said games that were to be played on the diamond this week have been temporarily moved to the Crescent Acres ball diamonds.

Despite all that happened, Gunville said he is confident the league will move forward.

“Our league is strong and growing each year, we’re up to 60-plus teams and we have a membership of over a thousand.  It’s a booming league.  As other slo-pitch leagues are dying out, ours is growing and getting stronger,” he said.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell