Every once in a while, Rhonda Perry will come across graffiti at a city park that is original and unique – something other than the standard obscenities or indistinguishable images.
“There are times I see graffiti and think – you know what – this took some talent,” Perry said. “The person who did this – they really could be doing something better with their life.”
Perry does not consider herself an art connoisseur, but when it comes to graffiti in parks in the City of Amarillo (COA) – she is the expert critic.
Perry is a Park Technician I in the COA Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), where she has worked since 2013.
The majority of her job responsibilities consist of removing and/or repairing vandalism in more than 60 COA parks, which includes graffiti.
And unfortunately, there is plenty of work.
From April 2024 to March 2025, PARD had 219 vandalism work orders at city parks.
“It’s like Easter egg hunting,” Perry said. “Then suddenly you walk around, and it is everywhere.”
Obviously, the weather plays a key factor in Perry’s workload.
“Summertime is the worst,” Perry said. “The kids are out about. Spring break was rough also.”
Perry’s arsenal against graffiti includes an array of chemicals and a power washer that uses water heated up to 210 degrees.
“The chemicals can burn you also,” Perry said. “You have to be careful.”
Perry patrols city parks on a regular basis and also responds to residents who contact PARD with reports of vandalism.
One of the worst areas for vandalism? The Skate Park at John Stiff Memorial Park.
“I bounce from park to park. I usually know which parks are going to be the worst, so I hit those first,” Perry said. “There is always something somewhere.”
Despite what might be considered the depressing aspects of her job, Perry sees it as a challenge.
“I like being outside. To me that is a plus,” Perry said. “Just stick me outside. I do not want to be locked up.”
Perry does see COA parks as much more than targets for vandals.
“I do like to hang out in the parks. We have so many parks that are great,” Perry said. “My favorite park is Thompson Park because of the trees. It is really beautiful.”
