MILTON, Mass. — Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center will be temporarily closed to the public from Tuesday, June 30, through Thursday, July 2 after the facility’s windows were shattered by rocks.
The closure follows an overnight incident that requires repairs to the facility.
Blue Hills Observatory and Science Center executive director Dr. Alex Evans showed Boston 25 the interior and exterior damage Tuesday.
“Someone or someone’s have thrown rocks through our windows,” he said. So, we’re spending these next few days, which again is one of our busiest, cleaning up."
He said three of the facility’s windows were shattered by the rocks. One window’s screen was damaged but not broken.
“It’s saddening and it’s unfortunate. We keep this place running for the public this weather record is for the public,” said Evans.
About a mile down the road, the Blue Hills Ski Area Lodge had all of their windows and doors smashed in.
Bri-Anne Thomas, a regular hiker at Blue Hills, called 911 after she found the damage Tuesday morning.
“They were all smashed in,” she said over the phone. “When I looked in, I could see boulders of varying sizes all over the ground inside the building.”
“When I started seeing the rocks, I thought, ‘Oh, this is definitely, you know, vandalism and teenage angst or something.’ It just seemed like multiple people did it because it was so much damage,” she said.
Geoff Homer of the Blue Hills Ski Area told Boston 25 in a statement:
“We’re extremely disappointed and saddened by this act of vandalism at Blue Hills Ski Area. Thankfully, no one was hurt. On behalf of the team, we wanted to thank and acknowledge our appreciation for the efforts of the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation with their assistance in this investigation and cleanup.”
Meanwhile, the observatory claims they’ll likely lose roughly $1,000 in ticket sales and public donations from the brief closure — aside from the damage repair costs.
State police are still investigating the incidents.
At this time, the Observatory expects to reopen to the public on Friday, July 3.
“Thank you for your patience and for your continued support of Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center, and the 141 years of scientific record it protects,” the posted ended with.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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