ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lights in the Parkway will be closed Sunday night after significant vandalism caused extensive damage to holiday light displays and park facilities at Lehigh Parkway, city officials said.
Vandals pushed portable toilets into the river, bent light poles and posts, and crushed light bulbs throughout the display area.
The damage also affected restroom facilities within the park, Allentown officials said.
City crews are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage to determine how it may affect the remainder of the Lights in the Parkway season.
Officials said preliminary assessments indicate repairs could be difficult and costly to complete during the current season. They said efforts are underway to explore repair options with the goal of continuing the Lights in the Parkway if possible.
Parks and recreation staff discovered the damage Sunday as part of snowstorm cleanup.
"They’re devastated," city Communications Director Genesis Ortega said. "They put so much work into this, and this year they went above and beyond. They take a lot of pride in the work that they do."
Ortega said some displays, like the Old Man Christmas display, were destroyed.
She said it's the most severe act of vandalism in Lights in the Parkway's 29 years.
"They’re devastated. They put so much work into this, and this year they went above and beyond."Genesis Ortega, Allentown's communications director
In a video posted to his social media later in the day Sunday, Mayor Matt Tuerk said "Move It Monday" would go on as scheduled Monday night at Lights in the Parkway. It allows folks to walk, run or bike through the display — and Monday's version will celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley.
He said about "90 percent" of the annual holiday attraction is in good shape.
"All the displays are for the most part functioning," Tuerk said. "We’re hoping we’ll be able to get the car version back up and running."
City officials said an update will be provided once more information becomes available.
Those who purchased tickets for Sunday night’s event should contact the Parks Office for assistance with rebooking or refunds.
The office can be reached at 610-437-7757 during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by email at events@allentownpa.gov.
The city reported that Parks Department crews have been fully deployed and are simultaneously responding to the vandalism, working to clear Saturday night’s snowstorm, and assisting public works crews while securing and evaluating the affected areas.
The incident remains under investigation by the Allentown Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 610-437-7753 or submit tips through the TIP411 application available on the city’s police website.
Without being specific, Tuerk said police are reviewing available video footage and physical evidence.
"If you are the person I’m asking you to turn yourself in," he said. "This is a serious criminal investigation. You can see the damage. Somebody put a real effort into destroying something beautiful and we’re going to hold that person or persons accountable."
The Allentown Parknership is accepting donations and helping to raise money to make repairs, Tuerk said.
