Community Spirit Monument targeted by vandalism

Benches and signs around the Community Spirit Monument in Woodland Park have been repeatedly vandalized in recent weeks, according to Kalispell Public Works Director Chad Fincher.

“It’s become the hardest-hit facility in our parks system,” Fincher reported.

The Community Spirit Monument was built in 2008 by a collaborative effort among various local community members, including the nonprofit Love Lives Here. The monument is a gazebo decorated with 2,000 tiles made by local residents.

Kay Lynn, a Kalispell artist who contributed the original concept and design for the project, explained the structure was originally designed as a symbol of unity for the community.

Tiles are engraved with sayings such as, “No hate here, just love” and “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it Is the only thing that ever has.”

There is also a sign in front of the gazebo explaining the project. “WE ARE ALL ONE!” reads the sign, which was recently defaced with dark smear marks over the message.

Another sign emblazoned with “Love Lives Here” was broken and is now “completely missing,” according to Fincher. The concrete slabs on top of the four tiled benches around the monument have also been broken. Some of the 3-inch concrete slabs are completely missing and pieces of the cracked concrete are strewn around the ground near the monument.

“The monument itself is alive and well,” Lynn pointed out.

But the general area near the monument has been the target of continual “malicious activity” recently, Fincher stated. He said the spot in Woodland Park has been vandalized at least three times in the past three weeks.

“This just seems to be somebody’s focus right now,” he observed.

While there has been vandalism elsewhere in Woodland Park, notably in the skate park and the bathrooms, Fincher said he believes the Community Spirit Monument destruction is a separate, targeted effort.

He noted the pattern of ongoing graffiti and destruction around the monument is “pretty abnormal for vandalism,” since the Parks Department more typically sees isolated vandalism incidents.

Fincher also said the graffiti in the skate park and the bathrooms is more of a “nuisance” the Parks Department deals with periodically. “It’s not…heightened,” he reported.

The Parks Department is in communication with the Kalispell Police Department over the targeted vandalism of the monument. So far, Fincher said they don’t have any leads on the vandal or vandals.

“We’ve got some ideas on how to capture what’s going on there so we can hopefully get it to end,” he reported. He said the Parks Department is in talks with the Kalispell Police Department to monitor the area and increase patrols there.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.