I returned from a period of living overseas to live in our new home in Mill Pond last summer. An attraction to living there has been Roegner Park and and the White River, and making use of the beautiful trails and park facilities.

I also was thrilled by the beauty and creativity observed in the murals that had been painted by local young people on the side of the bridge on Auburn Way next to the park.

This summer when I returned to Auburn I was utterly disappointed to see the destruction inflicted upon the murals through wanton defacement. I am so sorry for those who had put so much time, energy and inspiration into making the bridge a colorful attraction, and hope they know that many of us appreciate their contributions.

I hope the artists will take it upon themselves to repaint the mural and eliminate the destruction, and that perhaps a way can be found to protect it from the idiots who damage public art that the rest of us enjoy.

If the police have caught the culprit(s), or do so in the future, make them clean it up and assign lots of community service hours.

My wife and I would love to help repair the mural, either by buying the paint and/or helping with labor, or in some other way. If the original artists are still in Auburn, we can be contacted at lnchead@yahoo.com.

– Larry Crouch