Brass fountain theft costs NYC Parks Department $11,000 in repairs
According to NYC Parks, nine fountains across the park were vandalized in early May, with brass basins ripped out and stolen.
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As temperatures begin to climb, several Prospect Park water fountains have been taken out of service after thieves targeted them for their brass components.
According to NYC Parks, nine fountains across the park were vandalized in early May, with brass basins ripped out and stolen.
Officials say the thefts began at two fountains near Field 7 at the Parade Ground before spreading to other locations throughout the park, including areas near the Boathouse and the baseball fields in Long Meadow.
The damage has left some visitors searching a little harder for a place to fill up their water bottles as warmer weather brings more people outdoors.
Parkgoer Seyi expressed frustration over the thefts and their impact on visitors.
"It's pretty hot out here, we can't be dehydrated - so whoever's taking the brass out of the water fountains just leave it alone man - we out here thirsty. I guess we just gonna have to be bottled up until the city fixes it."
While the damaged fountains remain out of service, NYC Parks says visitors can still access drinking water from the park's remaining 52 fountains.
The thefts come as brass prices remain relatively high, making the metal a frequent target for thieves. Parks officials say each damaged fountain will cost more than $11,000 to replace.
Rather than reinstalling brass basins, the city plans to replace the fountains with stainless steel models that are less attractive to thieves.
In the meantime, out-of-order signs have been posted at affected locations, and NYC Parks tells News 12 that crews are working to complete repairs as quickly as possible to ensure parkgoers have access to drinking water throughout the summer.
