| SPRINGFIELD, Mo. During the evening on Sunday, May 29, 2016, vandals caused significant damage in the Master Gardeners Demonstration and Kitchen Garden at the Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield. There is a $500 reward pending for anyone providing information that leads to an arrest.
Right now, we are estimating a total of around $1000 worth of damage, said Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with University of Missouri Extension who co-leads the Master Gardener program. Our Master Gardeners raise funds to equip and maintain that garden and invest thousands of volunteers hours too so we take this very personal.
Because of the dollar value of the damage done, this would qualify as a felony.
In the demonstration garden, the low tunnel covering was destroyed and plants pulled out. Vandals overturned the work bench and broke the legs. The cold frame was broken and plants removed. The new roof to the shed was damaged, the work table was overturned, and the top broken. Several terra cotta pots were broken and plastic pots crushed, other plants destroyed, and the plant cart was moved to the railroad tracks.
Although vandalism is not a new problem in the Park, this is particularly disturbing because of the amount of damage done. Our volunteers put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make these gardens look beautiful for the public and I struggle to comprehend what motivates people to do things like this, said Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist with MU Extension and co-leader of the Master Gardeners of Greene County.
Report any tips to the Springfield Police Department Crime Stoppers tip line (417) 869-8477.
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