Video: Remodeled park vandalized with graffiti

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SEATTLE – Graffiti vandals struck again, but this time, they hit a newly remodeled park dedicated to a fallen police officer.

The park is very special to the residents and business owners in the White Center neighborhood.

Sometime this week, graffiti appeared on the signs and playground sets at the Steve Cox Memorial Park.

Just three months ago, the newly remodeled park was dedicated to Steve Cox, a King County deputy who battled gang violence in White Center.

Now his mother wonders who would deface what has become a source of pride for the White Center community.

"What motivates young people to do that? And that playground equipment? That's attacking facilities for children! Why would they want to do that," wondered JoAn Cox.

"Children want to have fun or whatever and seeing it might confuse them, wondering why it's there, maybe then thinking it's okay?" said 16-year-old Monica Escobedo.

Some wonder if this is a sign that gangs are getting the upper hand.

"[I'm] scared for my daughter to come play out here and we live right there, and I can't leave the window open during the night. I'm scared," said Ta Kaenchane,

The King County Parks Department says staffers started the cleanup Thursday and with the help of volunteers, they will try to return it to a place where families feel safe.

Graffiti is nothing new in White Center and in some other areas, but residents feel like the best way to fight it is to remove it quickly.