Collingwood Community 'Love Bombs' Sunset Point Park Play Structures following vandalism with homophobic and racial content on Friday, July 9

Town of Collingwood residents showed their true and vibrant colours on Saturday, July 10, as a group of community members lead a paint party to beautify Sunset Point's EnviroPark play structures, which were vandalized with homophobic and racial content on Friday, July 9. The graffiti was immediately removed by Parks staff following an OPP investigation early Friday afternoon.  

Mayor Brian Saunderson stated, “The Sunset Point event demonstrated that Collingwood is a compassionate community that actively supports diversity and equality. Town residents and local businesses rallied together to show how the community rejects hate and anger, leaving a positive message that we are stronger together and will continue to fight for inclusion.”

In response to the incident, a social media campaign quickly spread in Collingwood, inviting the community to visit Sunset Point Park on the morning of July 10 to “Love Bomb” the play structures. Many community members and groups took part and several Collingwood paint and hardware stores showed tremendous support by donating materials for the makeover. The vandalized park obstacles received bright colours, rainbows, hearts, and positive messaging focused on love and inclusivity. 

Town of Collingwood Parks and By-law staff were on-site supporting the volunteers and their efforts while ensuring crowds were safely following Covid-19 protocols. The Town extends our gratitude and thanks to all the residents, organizations and businesses that came together so quickly to demonstrate what a strong and resilient community we have in Collingwood. 

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Collingwood OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also leave an anonymous tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.