Clay County, MO – Parks crews at Smithville Lake are dealing with another round of costly destruction after officials say restrooms at the Sail Boat Cove area were vandalized again this week—marking the sixth major incident at lake-area bathrooms in 2025.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Parks employees discovered extensive damage on Dec. 1, including a destroyed toilet, smashed light fixtures, and an entire stall wall ripped away from the concrete base. The department says the level of destruction rises to a felony-level property crime.
This is far from an isolated case. Sheriff officials report that the Sail Boat Cove restrooms have been targeted four times this year, with incidents ranging from graffiti in early June to a firework detonated inside a toilet on June 30. Other facilities—including the Trailhead bathrooms and the Crows Creek shower house—have also been damaged.
County leaders emphasized that the repeated vandalism is expensive for residents. “Guess who pays for the repairs? You, the taxpayers,” the sheriff’s office wrote in its alert.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward for information leading to an arrest. The Clay County TIPS Hotline is 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Residents who frequent Smithville Lake or live nearby are encouraged to report suspicious activity in park areas.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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