Vandalism continues at skate park dedicated to teen

Rebecca Norris shared many laughs with her son Jackson. “He was loving, kind and generous, thoughtful. He was just an incredible, incredible child,” said Norris.

But his life was cut short in 2011. The Buda teenager was doing what he loved, skateboarding in Lockhart, when a car hit and killed him. It left a family without an infectious personality.

“He was gifted in the area of compassion. He could tell if someone was hurting, he would find a way to brighten their day,” said an emotional Norris.

Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park is popular among teens and it is a safe place for them skateboard. “This park was already in progress when he passed away and we decided to name the park after him,” said David Marino, with the city of Buda.

However, the City of Buda says over the last several months, someone has been frequently vandalizing the park. As of Thursday afternoon, the city painted over and cleaned up whatever they could. “It is very disrespectful when you see it happening over and over again,” said Marino.

City officials said the vandal even uprooted one of the seven trees, and hung it. “When Jackson died, his parents decided to donate his organs to seven people, and those seven trees represent those people,” said Marino.

“It is a huge disrespect. We fought hard to get that memorial built,” said Norris.

Buda said they are coming up with a plan to catch whomever is responsible.

“…Patrolling this area more, we are looking at the possibility of cameras at this skate park. That's nothing that's been decided yet,” said Marino.

Jackson's mom believes not only is the skate park a park, but her son's ashes are located here, making it a memorial close to the family’s hearts. The Norris family just hopes someone somewhere, knows something.

“It's like going to his grave site and desecrating it. It's the same thing to us,” said Norris.

If you have any information, call the Buda Police Department at 512-312-1001