09/09/2026
2nd UPDATE: The responsible party has been identified! We’d like to give some special thanks to Officer Cooper for his work today! Everyone can expect to enjoy our meticulously hand-washed courts in the coming days!
UPDATE: The hoodie found at the scene was found to be unrelated to this issue.
Anyone with information as to whom may be responsible for this vandalism, please contact the Maroa Police Department at 217-794-5526.
VANDALISM AT THE NEW SPENCER PARK COURTS
The City of Maroa’s brand-new basketball court and pickleball courts have been seriously vandalized. Large obscene images were drawn across the courts with what appears to be paint or a similar substance. Scooter tire marks were also left throughout the court area and into the surrounding dirt work. The cushion for the basketball post was also removed. Due to the obscene nature of the vandalism, we can only show the least graphic image below.
The Maroa Police Department is reviewing all available evidence, including potential video footage from the area, to identify those responsible. Anyone involved should not assume this activity went unnoticed.
This was not a harmless prank. Considerable public money and effort have been invested in these facilities for our community, and the City is taking this matter very seriously. Those responsible may face criminal charges and be held liable for the full cost of cleaning and repairing the damage.
Anyone with information—or any nearby security-camera footage that may be helpful—is asked to contact the Maroa Police Department. Parents are also encouraged to speak with their children about this incident.
Please help us protect the facilities that belong to our entire community.
