Updated: Rideout field needs repairs after joyrider tears up turf

Acton Public Works crews are still assessing the damage at Rideout Park — and police are investigating — after a joyrider caused “extensive damage” to the turf.

Spring sports will “probably” be affected by the field condition, Acton Highway and Grounds Superintendent Aaron Miklosko told The Acton Bridge. 

Police Capt. Brian Goldman said officers have been talking to neighbors and gathering information to identify who was behind the wheel of the car that drove onto the West Acton field overnight Saturday, November 16, into Sunday, November 17,  leaving deep and destructive tire treads.

“This may be part of a bigger issue involving juveniles, though that’s not confirmed,” Goldman said. 

A resident alerted police to the damage Sunday morning, he said.

Goldman noted that while “the field will get fixed,” he said it’s important for people to realize that vandalism to public parks and resources “hurts everybody.”

“For those that think it’s funny or cute to do this — it’s not,” he said. “This type of momentary lapse in judgment punishes everyone in the community.”

Town Manager Kerry Lafleur said the town is working with law enforcement “to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.”

“Whether this was a thoughtless act or intentionally malicious, we are deeply disappointed and frustrated by the recent vandalism to our town’s playing fields,” Lafleur said in a statement. 

“The damage is significant, and the repair will be costly.”

Officials encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Acton Police Department at (978) 318-3400 or the anonymous tip line at (978) 318-3407.

This story has been updated as of November 21 at 5:50 p.m.