Popular Santa Maria park vandalized

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A late night ride leaves a beloved park vandalized on Saturday night in Santa Maria.

Noah Giddings says he was there when a truck drove through the park Saturday night. "I saw a white truck next to the fire department drive way. And I saw him hit the bushes. I saw him hit the grass. He came across this corner and hit this trail behind here."

Just a day later Terry Turner went for a walk and discovered the damaged trails. "Looked like a couple badgers or dogs digging for a bone. But then I realized no, no, no, then I saw the drag."

The tracks show how a vehicle ripped through the trails of Rotary Centennial Park.

"You can see tire trucks here," said Turner.

City Rangers along with the Recreation and Parks Department were out to investigate first thing Monday morning.

"The vehicle came through this area then proceeded to this landscaping area causing damage," said City Ranger Casey Stone.

While city rangers say they are in the process of filing a crime report their main concern is that this type of incident doesn't happen again.

"Sometimes people go on late night walks and we're happy that no one was hurt. And beyond that people are coming to destress especially in times of the COVID-19," said Stone.

Turner plans to continue visiting the park during the pandemic, and hopes those who created the mess will be held accountable.

"It's sad but it could have been worse. This will eventually heal."

Donut-shaped tracks were also left on the field.

If you have any information on the incident contact the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at  (805) 925-0951.