When Lynette and Jack Evans decided to build a recreation area on their private property they had visions of children playing, conversing and enjoying the grounds.

But those happy visions were dashed over the weekend after vandals tore apart the fenced playground at 1108 Fruit Ave. in Farrell.

When Evans went to mow the grass there Saturday, he was surprised to see the property had been trashed.

"It was just unneccessary to trash it like this," he said.

Mrs. Evans was equally surprised.

"I'm really shocked," she said as she surveyed the ruins Monday morning. "I don't understand why they would tear this up. It just doesn't make sense."

Someone apparently broke the lock off the main gate of the fence along Fruit Avenue. The picket fence sits 3 feet high along Fruit, a previous city zoning requirement for the private recreation area. The fence encasing the rest of the play area sits 6 feet high and was broken out in several spots.

A large trampoline that used to bounce cheery kids lay scattered in parts, its net missing. Nearby, a large white tent, which could seat about 50, was in shambles, its poles strewn about. Locks were broken off the clubhouse, its treated wood and mesh torn off and tossed to the side.

The couple built the $3,400 playground five years ago for their grandchildren and their ministry, Seeds of Faith, using their own and ministry money. Mrs. Evans estimated the damage at about $2,400, including replacements for the entire fence and clubhouse, which can only be purchased as a whole.

When the play area was built, it contained four umbrella tables, two of them kid-sized, and benches under two canopies for shade, a clubhouse with both a twisty turboslide and regular sliding board, a basketball court, kiddie swimming pool, trampoline with safety net and a swing set.

"Whether cheaply put together or expensively, it was mine," Mrs. Evans said, "I don't look at this as a joke. I don't find it amusing. It's a serious situation."

The playground is a private recreation area where no commercial activity is to occur and no activities are to extend past curfew, according to a city ordinance. Mrs. Evans said neighbors have played there and were always invited. She said whoever vandalized the area would be welcome, if only they had asked.

Mrs. Evans said she spoke with witnesses, who said the property may have been trashed as late as Thursday. She believes the vandals were several older children. She is offering a reward to witnesses who can offer names. She is hoping those responsible can help pay for the damage.

"I'm from the old school, and I'm not going to tear up something that doesn't belong to me," she said. "It's a new generation that doesn't care and doesn't have respect. If nothing is done, they'll think it's a free-for-all."

Anyone with information about the vandals is asked to call (724) 981-2039.