Security cameras may be coming to Henle Park in Leetsdale

Leetsdale officials are considering adding security cameras in Henle Park to combat vandalism.

Police Chief Dan Raible said there have only been a few incidents at the recreation site, and the hope is to keep it that way.

“It’s very rare,” Raible said about vandalism in the park. “The park is very safe. (We’re) trying to have a deterrent down there so people aren’t messing with the playground equipment or the pavilions or the restrooms.”

Only one incident came to mind when the chief was asked about such activity in Henley Park.

Raible said a several people had a mud fight in the bathrooms a few weeks ago after heavy rains.

“It was all filthy and dirty and guys had to go in and pressure wash it,” he said. “This is one of those incidents that unfortunately caused some damage inside the restroom and it was juveniles.”

Many details including how many cameras, what type and how much money to spend have yet to be finalized.

Council postponed voting on the project at its Aug. 10 meeting for further discussion.

Council vice president Osman Awad said he plans to reach out to other communities to see what camera systems they have in their parks.

He hopes to save on any installation costs by having borough technicians do the labor.

“(We need) security because we get some kids and they are doing some things they shouldn’t be doing,” Awad said. “We don’t want any vandalism in the park, and it’s dark. We need to put more lights in there.”

Aspinwall recently spent $6,000 on nine cameras from Security Systems of America. They were installed in May in three different parks.

Aspinwall officers can access feeds from the new cameras on their phones and computers in real time.

The previous camera system required officers to review recorded footage at the police station.

Raible said he has no camera system preference, and would like to get input from the borough’s information technology staff.

Council president Maria Napolitano expressed concerns about getting cameras before the end of summer and splash pad closure.

The issue is expected to be further discussed at council’s Sept. 7 workshop meeting.

Other safety matters

A community forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the borough building to discuss painting parking spaces along Broad Street.

Mayor Sandra Ford said residents have had trouble parking by their homes due to other motorists leaving either too little or too much space between vehicles.

The borough wants to get public input on using spaces similar to how nearby Sewickley handles on-street parking.

Vacancies to fill

There is a vacancy on the borough’s zoning hearing board. Term expires at the end of this year.

There are two vacancies on the parks and recreation board, both of which expire at the end of next year.

Those interested in filling the vacancies can contact the borough office at 724-266-4820.