A memorial garden at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lometa has been the target of vandals several times over the past five years, and Mary Anna Wittenburg Beard is fearful that children will get hurt if it continues.

A water fountain and bench at the memorial garden both have suffered damage from what Mrs. Beard believes are the action of children who play in the area.

Most recently, a motor-powered fountain that honors her parents, Fred and Mary Alice Wittenburg, was turned over. Mrs. Beard and family members have replaced the motor several times after it was filled with pebbles, effectively shutting down the equipment.

A compressor was bent when the fountain was turned over, and damage also has occurred to a memorial bench. Bushes in the area have had branches snapped off.

"It is vandalism," Mrs. Beard said. "This has been going on for about five years, and I think it's enough."

The Lometa resident said she realizes the area is open and children play there, but it can be dangerous, as well. "The kids use the bench for a ramp for skateboarding, and they tear limbs from the bushes.

"I don't mind kids out there playing, but I am worried someone is going to get hurt. What if someone was on the other side of the fountain when it was knocked over? It could have been bad."

Mrs. Beard said she wants residents to enjoy the garden area, "but I don't think they need to be skateboarding, throwing rocks or tearing limbs.

"I just ask that they have respect for the area."