Kiddie Park closed after bear spray discharged on playground
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 3 months AGO
The playground equipment at Kiddie Park had caution tape around it Thursday afternoon. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 10, 2017 4:57 PM
The Whitefish Police Department is investigating an incident that forced the closure of the Kiddie Park Thursday after bear spray was discharged on playground equipment and in the restrooms.
Assistant Police Chief Bridger Kelch said the incident occurred sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning and was reported after children began playing at the park.
“Kids started having a reaction to it,” he said. “Some parents took their kids to the ER because they didn’t know what it was.”
Kelch said there were no serious injuries reported, but that pepper spray does “burn and itch” when people come into contact with it.
The police department received its first call about the bear spray at about 10 a.m. and the city Parks and Recreation was notified immediately.
“They closed it with caution tape and started to power wash it,” Kelch said. “They will keep it closed tonight and likely power wash it again tomorrow.”
Kelch noted that the person or persons involved could be charged with felony criminal mischief because of the cost of the labor and equipment to clean the park. There was no permanent damage done to the park.
Kiddie Park is located near the south end of Central Avenue.
The police department is looking for any information related to the incident or who may have caused it. Call the Whitefish Police Department at 863-2420.
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