The Mission Peeker is designed to allow hikers to see different mountains throughout the Bay Area. Over Labor Day weekend, hikers reported finding the pole had been vandalized.
Zach Zafran/SFGATEThe Mission Peak pole, a popular Bay Area attraction near the top of the South Bay mountain, has apparently been vandalized, according to photos taken by local hikers. For over 30 years, the pole has been a destination that marks the conclusion of the 3.1-mile trek, and this weekend those hoping to take the often-sought photo op instead encountered a site of destruction.
One image provided by a hiker to KRON4 shows the Mission Peeker, so-called because of a number of sight tubes planted on it, apparently sawed off at the stump.
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In a statement to SFGATE, an East Bay Regional Parks District spokesperson appeared to confirm the pole was damaged. “We are saddened to learn about this incident in our park,” the statement read. “Any vandalism from destruction to graffiti affects what should be a positive, happy experience for community members to enjoy open space and the many trails in our regional parks.”
The pole is a sculpture created by park ranger and artist Leonard Page in 1990. Page included the sight tubes on it to allow viewers to zoom in on the surrounding scenery. The pole is not located at the top of the 2,516-foot peak, but 200 feet below at a spot felt to be better for viewing the surrounding landmarks.
East Bay Regional Parks requests that anyone with information about this incident contact EBRPD’s Public Safety Department at 510-690-6521.