NORWICH – Vandalism has destroyed the restroom facilities at Norwich’s Weiler Park, and Tuesday night City of Norwich Finance and Personnel committee members discussed whether or not it would be worth it to repair the facility.

Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer told the committee there was a possibility the city could obtain an Environmental Protection and Parks Grant from New York State Parks and Historic Preservation for repairs to the bathroom facility. Funding would come in the form of a 50/50 matching grant, with the city fronting the cost for the project, and receiving a 50 percent reimbursement. Work for the project would not begin until 2009.

“I spoke with Carl (Ivarson, Department of Public Works superintendent), and the problem with the bathrooms is mainly a vandalism issue,” Dreyer told the committee. “Renovation doesn’t solve the vandalism issue.”

The bathrooms are locked, except for when events, such as baseball or soccer games, are occurring at the park, but according to Police Chief Joseph Angelino the doors have literally been ripped off the walls.