WPD Seeks Aid Finding George Schmeider Memorial Park Vandal

WARWICK, RI — Warwick Police are asking the public’s help finding the person or persons responsible for painting graffitti on the basketball court at the George Schmeider Memorial Park and the public bathrooms at the Oakland Beach Seawall.

The vandalism, commonly referred to as “tagging,” essentially a graffiti artist’s signature, occurred sometime between May 19 and May 20, according to police.

“The park is dedicated to Coach Schmeider was a well-respected member of the community,” Warwick Police wrote in their plea for help finding those responsible for the vandalism.

Schmeider, 37,  a wrestling coach at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School, umpire and coach for the Warwick Softball Assoc., member of RI Interscholastic League, the Oakland Beach Volunteer Fire Co. and JONAH, died in 2012, the victim of a long illness doctors could not diagnose, according to a Providence Journal report.

Gary J. Perry Paving Inc. installed a new basketball court with a sports surfacing finish and helped rebuild a new playground at the park in 2013, part of a volunteer effort in Schmeider’s name.

Regarding the vandalism, “It’s an eyesore and an unnecessary expense to the tax payers who will foot the bill for the cleanup,” Warwick Police wrote on their Facebook page requesting information on the vandal, “If you have any information please contact Det. Teddy Bulis at 468-4242.”