Swastikas, Racial Slurs Found Spray Painted Throughout Augusta, Maine’s Mill Park

It's the place where the area community comes together for all kinds of free family-fun activities. Of course we're talking about Augusta, Maine's massive Mill Park. The park, which sits along the banks of the Kennebec River at the bottom of Sand Hill, is home to dozens of events each and every summer. From the city's SummerFun Concert Series, to the Kennebec River Brew Fest, the park is the perfect spot to host all the fun. However, some recent vandalism has left the area with some terrible blemishes.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Augusta Police are currently investigating some racially-charged vandalism that they believe happened in the overnight hour of July 26th into the morning of July 27th. Police say they believe the damage to be in excess of $2,000.

Police say that some unknown vandals spray painted racial slurs and swastikas throughout the park. Because of the extent of the damage, the hate crime is being investigated as a felony criminal mischief case.

Sgt Eric Lloyd with Augusta PD told the Kennebec Journal in part,

“The total estimate of damage is well above the $2,000 threshold to make this a felony criminal mischief case. Also because of the swastikas and racial slurs the potential to classify this as a hate crime with the Attorney General’s Office exists. However, further investigation is needed.”

Both the department of Parks & Recreation as well as Augusta Public Works have been informed of the damage to the park. Augusta Police said that some of the objects that were spray painted with the slurs include the sign for the dog park, a porta-potty, a historical sign and even a garbage can.

This is a developing story and we will continue to keep it updated as more information becomes available.