Sometime late on Friday, 10 October, Zurakowski Park was vandalized by persons unknown. The Park honours the life and work of Janusz Zurakowski, fighter pilot and test pilot. The Park features two famous planes: the CF-105 Avro Arrow, and the Supermarine Spitfire. The Spitfire miniature replica, sporting Zurakowski’s SZOZ markings from the Battle of Britain (Photo above), is normally on display in the Park from May through October. It was discovered knocked down from its perch, with damage to the body and tail. Several pumpkins on display around the grandstand had been smashed as well.
Tom Vlasic, Park committee chairman, and Dave Lowell, chief of repairs, shared that they arrived on Saturday to take down the Spitfire for the season, only to discover the vandalism. Mr. Lowell expects to have to rebuild parts of the elevator and tail of the famous fighter over the winter. The crew had contacted the police, and urge anyone with information about the vandalism to make a report.
All photos courtesy Rob Filipkowski
A camera should be placed at the Park for these vandals.