Lehighton may invest in wireless cameras to help abate vandalism in its upper and lower parks.

That was among the primary uses suggested by borough council on Monday for the borough’s 2021 Local Share Account Grant application.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett asked council for suggestions on projects for the grant application.

Councilman Ryan Saunders said he would like to see wireless cameras installed in both parks.

Fellow Councilman Joe Flickinger said he agreed that would be a wise decision.

It was noted by Recreation Director Tom Evans that they’ve received complaints about the Grove because there’s no equipment.

Evans noted that equipment at the Grove has been destroyed, and added municipalities such as Parryville and Weissport have beautiful playgrounds.

Saunders stood by his belief that wireless cameras for both parks is the way to go.

“The technology is there; it would be a great time to do it now,” Saunders said. “We spent a lot of money on these two parks; it would be nice to let the (community) know they’re being protected.”

Last month, vandals struck at the fountain in the borough’s lower park when they filled it with soap and bubbles.

Foam could be seen oozing from the fountain for what borough officials said marked the second time in a month.

In a related matter, borough Mayor Clark Ritter informed borough council on Monday that he’s trying to start up a street neighborhood watch.

Ritter told council he was also working on one for the community grove, but added that the problem is finding volunteers.

However, Councilman Donnie Rehrig told Ritter he needs to have a communitywide crime watch.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said there’s been a lot of chatter on social media talking about a push for people starting to want to volunteer.

In December, Lehighton’s Neighborhood Crime Watch took a hiatus due to a sharp resurgence in COVID-19.

Ritter said then the group didn’t feel comfortable holding a meeting at that time.

In October, Ritter said Detective Matt Arner would lead the Neighborhood Crime Watch, and added they would try to expand it from South Second Street.

That came after Ritter suggested at council’s July 2020 meeting that a Neighborhood Crime Watch be started.