Mangled grass, wrecked facilities, torched vehicles and a monster clean-up bill - it is becoming the unwanted festive season tradition for Fred Finch Park, with yet another case of senseless vandalism.
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The Berkeley sports field was struck by vandals again this week. A stolen car was driven onto the playing surface and used to churn up the manicured grass, before being driven into a baseball dugout and set alight.
It is the third major vandalism attack in two years, after $50,000 of damage was inflicted in a near-identical incident in December 2013, and facilities and lawnmowers were targeted in another expensive strike in December 2012.
"This park is a facility for the whole community and we will continue to try and find ways to stop these senseless acts ... they're a slap in the face."
Derek Moriarty lives nearby, and jogs past the park several times a week. He reported the latest attack to council, and blames groups of bored youths.
"In a way, it's like terrorism," Mr Moriarty said.
"It's senseless, bored kids. I can't see how anyone can get enjoyment out of it."
Illawarra Baseball League treasurer Peter Rogers said the bill would run into the thousands.
"They've done damage to the baseball diamond, and completely destroyed the dugout," he said.
Mr Rogers praised Wollongong City Council for installing barriers around the park after the 2013 attack, which had helped keep hoons out.
However, Mr Moriarty believed vandals entered on a walking track from adjacent wetlands, removing large concrete bollards meant to block vehicle access.
Mr Rogers said the baseball community was fed up with the constant attacks.
"It's very disheartening for those events to continue. Baseball, like most sports in the Illawarra, is run by volunteers so the money will come from the pocket of the players," Mr Rogers said.
"It disrupts other sports too, like softball and cricket. From our viewpoint, it's a total lack of any caring for the community."
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery slammed the "pointless destruction" wreaked by the vandals.
"Council has worked closely with NSW Police and the sporting organisations to address this ongoing issue," Cr Bradbery said.
"This park is a facility for the whole community and we will continue to try and find ways to stop these senseless, wanton acts ... they're a slap in the face."
Anyone with information on the incident should contact Lake Illawarra police on 4323 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
