Surveillance cameras being installed at new park in Colorado Springs

Workers this week began installing surveillance cameras at a new park in northeast Colorado Springs that was targeted for vandalism and theft.

Sixteen cameras are being installed at Venezia Park at an estimated cost of $450,000.

During construction last year, the $13 million park was repeatedly vandalized and equipment from the contractor kept on site was stolen.

City officials said other parks have similar issues but the decision to install cameras at Venezia was made because of the cost of the new park, and because it’s in an area where residents have long complained about the lack of park facilities.

The installation of cameras is expected to be finished next month.

The contractor installing the cameras said they are state-of-the-art, with high-definition video quality, able to automatically follow movement and to record clear images at night.

A city official said video recorded by the cameras can be viewed in real time by police or watched later.

Some people bristled at the cameras’ cost and said they’d like to see cameras at other parks having similar crime issues.

The city official said installing cameras at other parks will be considered as funding becomes available.