The tranquility of Richmond’s Canal Walk was disturbed on Tuesday, July 1, by an unsettling act of vandalism that also seriously damaged Padel Plant, a new padel plant on the 1200 block of Haxall Point. At 11:08 a.m., Richmond Police received a call after receiving allegations of vandalism and broken glass directed at the establishment.
Officers and staff examined surveillance footage showing an unidentified individual grabbing what looked like a rock or stone and throwing it at a glass panel close to the court. Additionally, the person vandalized the surface by writing a profanity on the broken glass.
Padel Plant co-owner Drew Wilshire attested that the video was immediately turned over to the police and that the broken window had to temporarily close Canal Walk due to safety concerns. The actual padel court, which is worth more than $45,000, is currently being inspected to assess the extent of the damage.
Because of its close proximity to community art spaces, Padel Plant, which opened its courts in January of this year, has previously generated public interest. The incident on Tuesday has brought the location back into the spotlight, raising questions about public and recreational area management as well as local safety.
To help in the ongoing investigation, anyone with knowledge on the vandalism is encouraged to get in touch with Richmond Police.
