On Tuesday, July 1, a disturbing act of vandalism disrupted the serenity of Richmond’s Canal Walk and caused significant damage at Padel Plant, a recently established padel facility located on the 1200 block of Haxall Point. Richmond Police responded to a call at 11:08 a.m. following reports of broken glass and graffiti targeting the business.
Surveillance footage reviewed by officers and staff captured an unidentified man picking up what appeared to be a rock or brick and hurling it at a glass panel near the court. The individual also defaced the surface by writing an expletive phrase across the shattered glass.
Drew Wilshire, part-owner of Padel Plant, confirmed that the footage was promptly submitted to authorities and that Canal Walk had to be shut down temporarily for safety concerns caused by the shattered pane. The padel court itself, valued at over $45,000, is now under inspection to determine the extent of the damage.
Padel Plant, which launched its courts earlier this year in January, has previously stirred public conversation due to its proximity to community art spaces. Tuesday’s incident has renewed attention on the site, prompting both concern over local safety and reflection on how public and recreational spaces are treated.
Anyone who has information regarding the vandalism is urged to contact Richmond Police to assist with the ongoing investigation.
