Sledding returns after Leavenworth's Front Street Park vandalized by vehicle

LEAVENWORTH – Thanks to city staff efforts and a recent winter storm, Front Street Park reopened to sledding over the holiday week after temporarily closing due to damage imposed by a vehicle on the evening of Dec. 21.

A vehicle was caught on camera entering Front Street Park and spinning donuts at approximately 11:30 p.m., according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. The spinning vehicle flung mud around the park and caused rivets in a 90 foot by 50 foot section of lawn area, which is used as a sledding hill during winter months.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect vehicle as a 2024 silver Toyota Tundra with Texas license plate TTR1528. The suspect driver appears to be a white male in his 20’s to 30’s. Deputies are currently conducting a follow-up on the suspect vehicle and speaking with witnesses. Once the suspect is arrested, there will be probable cause for arrest for reckless driving and malicious mischief in the second degree.

Drivers of the car interest group Street Phantoms were on Front Street at the time of the incident and were caught on camera filming the truck. A photographer who goes by 509.visuals_ on Instagram and is a part of the interest group released a statement on the platform stating that they were illegally parked for photoshoots, submitted the video for evidence, and “have communicated with local police and city officials with all information of the truck driver to resolve the issue.”

The City of Leavenworth temporarily closed the park on Sunday morning to “restore the usability” of the downtown park. 

“The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, City of Leavenworth, and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce are working together to accurately assess the extent of damages. City staff have already begun work to restore the damaged lawn area at Front Street Park as weather conditions allow,” said Kara Raftery, City of Leavenworth Communications and Special Projects Manager.  

A winter storm over the holiday brought sledders back to the park by the end of the week.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media