PASADENA, Texas – Vandals targeted Strawberry Water Park in Pasadena and forced the pool to close, according to city officials.
WATCH: Strawberry Water Park surveillance video of vandalism
Sometime after midnight in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 17, four young men broke into the closed water park and attempted to access the slides and water features.
Surveillance video shows them playing on the water slides, turning random valves and trying to turn on the systems. This caused thousands of dollars in damage to filters, pumps and motors. Two new motors are currently on order and won't be in until at least June 29.
"They didn't really have an idea of how this facility functions. There were valves and there were plumbing issues going on and it has just impacted a lot of important machinery that circulates this facility," said aquatics technician Austin Vaughan.
The closure is now affecting the city's summer day camps, water park visitors and the park’s adaptive swim program.
Strawberry Water Park is home to Adaptive Swim Parties for the Verne Cox Multipurpose Center. These parties are routinely scheduled for individuals with special needs and their families. The vandalism has forced the cancellation of at least one upcoming swim party.
"I hope we can catch the individuals that did this. Get us open and back in business for the city of Pasadena," said Sandra Roberson, aquatics manger for the City of Pasadena.
The pool will remain closed until replacement equipment parts arrive.
Officials said they are hoping the pool will be open by June 29.
In the meantime, other pools at Red Bluff Park and Sunset Park are open.
Anyone with information about the identity of the vandals is asked to contact Pasadena Police Department Det. Kevin Satterwhite at 713-475-7892 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.