EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Nearly $5,000 dollars worth of damage was done to grass and infrastructure at Lincoln Park in South-Central El Paso, allegedly by car drivers performing burnouts and doughnuts after a car meet Sunday night, Oct. 14.
The City of El Paso confirmed the estimated damages to KTSM, and added that the cost could exceed that number if the irrigation and sprinkler systems were also damaged.
City officials also confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation by the El Paso Police Department into the situation.
Hector Gonzales, a member of the Lincoln Park Conservation Committee that volunteers to help maintain the park’s vibrant image by upkeeping the murals and artwork, called the situation “disrespectful.”
“Well, we’re extremely disappointed with the whole situation. We’ve been here at the park over 20 years working on improving and working on the murals and all the amenities here at the park. And to have somebody do such a disrespectful act by destroying something that means so much to so many people in the community,” Gonzales said.
“The park here is very different from most parks in the sense that the City maintains the park –waters the grass, cuts the grass, picks up the trash. But all the artwork, the murals, all the benches, tables, everything that’s decorated is done by community members, volunteers. Absolutely for free. So everything you see here at the park is done from the heart by people,” Gonzales added.
A local car club named “Texas Legionz” was pointed out by witnesses online as the alleged people responsible for the damage. The club issued a statement via an Instagram story on their page in response.
The statement read:
“To our followers, car, truck, and lowrider community. We found who did the damage and both of them are fully aware of it. Both of them are facing consequences.
“On the team’s behalf, as well as the two that caused the damages, we want to say we are truly sorry. We never wanted to let our community down or bring any negativity to something built on respect and love for our rides and each other.
“Seeing the damage and the impact it caused broke our hearts. This community is like family, and we know that trust and reputation take years to build.
“The two individuals involved understand the weight of their actions and will be helping with the damages, but no amount of money can erase the disappointment and hurt that came from this.
“To everyone who reached out, shared info, and stood by us – thank you. Your support helped us find the truth and start making things right.
“If you guys have any info on who to get a hold of to talk about paying for the damages or helping with the process, we would greatly appreciate it.
“We’re humbly asking for your understanding and continued support as we work to fix it.”