Vandals spray-painted hate-motivated graffiti, including swastikas, on playground equipment at Stuart Park in Clarington over the weekend, adding to a concerning pattern of antisemitic vandalism in Durham Region.
Durham police responded to the park, located at 58 Stuart Rd., around 4:15 p.m. on March 1, where they discovered a swastika defacing a slide, another swastika alongside offensive language, and additional graffiti. The symbols and messages were removed by law enforcement and municipal staff.
Authorities believe the vandalism occurred between 3 p.m. on Feb. 28 and 4 p.m. on March 1.
This incident is part of a growing trend of hate-related graffiti in Durham. On Aug. 9, 2023, police were called to Prince of Wales Park after vandals burned a partially drawn antisemitic symbol onto the grass of a soccer field.
Earlier this year, swastikas were discovered at the Central Whitby Library Branch, with one found etched onto a washroom wall and two more carved into another restroom area.
Durham police are also investigating a hate-related incident during a virtual municipal meeting in Pickering on Feb. 12. Unidentified individuals allegedly shouted racial slurs, one person drew a swastika, and another exposed themselves during the online event.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the Clarington playground vandalism to contact Detective Micallef at 905-579-1520, extension 1615.
