NORTH SMITHFIELD – Town officials moved quickly this week to cover up racist graffiti discovered at the small scenic park behind the North Smithfield library.
The vandalism was discovered by a father and daughter who went fishing at the park, an area on the Slatersville Reservoir highlighted as significant to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park with signage installed by the National Park Service last year.
Resident Mary Cimini notified Public Works Director Ray Pendergast and Police Chief Tim Lafferty sending photos of markings using the N-word in the late afternoon on Monday, June 17. She also filed an incident report with the Anti-Defamation League regarding the racial slur, which had been spray-painted on both a rock, and a sign documenting history of the area for visitors. The paint marked the back of the national park sign documenting the role of the waterfall in providing power to the nearby Slatersville Mill.
National Park officials were notified by Director Christian de Rezendes, who is currently working to complete a docu-series about the mill and surrounding village. Rangers, it seems, were also prepared to get involved if needed, but the graffiti was addressed by DPW early Tuesday morning.
“Thank you, Mary and Christian, for your swift action,” noted Director of Interpretation & Education for the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Kevin Klyberg. “I got in touch with our facilities chief about repainting the back of the sign just to clean it up. I can also find out the kind of paint they use – it probably would be a good idea for the DPW to have a can on hand in case any graffiti comes up again.”
“Grateful to the town for dealing with it quickly,” noted de Rezendes.
The graffiti is just the latest in what Pendergast has said is an increase in vandalism and destruction of town property in recent months. The town recently installed cameras at neighboring Pacheco Park in hopes to curb the problem.
Cimini said she’s hopeful cameras can be installed behind the library, in an area known as Centennial Park, as well.
“Ray has done a great job in attempting to prevent these types of racist comments and destruction of property in our town,” said Cimini. “I do think that we have to make a serious attempt to stop these types of incidents from occurring in town. They are becoming far too common.”
Cimini also suggested that the town could offer a reward for information leading to the apprehension of the individual/individuals that are responsible for the behavior.
“I am willing to contribute to that effort, but it needs to be led by the town,” she said.
Great idea Mary! Kids will speak up