Mercer Island police took action to remove a defaced sign for repainting, after an unknown suspect sprayed blue paint onto the Native Plant Garden sign and numerous trees at the natural space.

The damage was discovered on Feb. 4 in Mercerdale Park. It’s adjacent to the Recycling Center on 77th Avenue.

Sergeant Ryan Parr with Mercer Island Police said he hasn’t noticed a pattern, and that the “tagging” incident did not appear to be gang related. He added that parks encompassing Interstate 90 frequently are tagged with graffiti.

Alaine Sommargren, Mercer Island natural resources manager, echoed the sentiment. “(Vandalism) does happen,” Sommargren said. “I don’t know of any patterns. I will say it probably is more common during the summer, so getting it during the winter a little more out of question.”

Surveillance cameras in the area revealed a lot of foot traffic, happening at all hours of day and night, Parr said. “It’s hard to pinpoint (activity),” he added.

Residents are asked to be vigilant while visiting Mercer Island parks and to report any suspicious activity to Mercer Island police.