Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating an act of vandalism after a driver in a white car was seen performing doughnuts on the playing fields of a school in Gravenhurst. The incident, which occurred on Monday, November 24, 2025, was captured in a photo supplied to authorities, showing the vehicle tearing up the turf.
Details of the Reckless Incident
The OPP released the image in hopes that the public can help identify the driver and vehicle involved. The photo clearly shows the white car on the school property, with tire marks evident on the grass. Such acts cause significant damage to community assets, requiring costly repairs and taking the field out of commission for student use.
School fields are meant for children's sports and recreation, not for reckless driving stunts, said an OPP representative familiar with the case. The investigation is ongoing, and police are treating the incident as a case of mischief. The specific school was not named in the initial police release.
Broader Context of School Safety Concerns
This incident in Gravenhurst occurs amid a heightened focus on school safety across Ontario. On the same day this news was published, it was reported that the Manitoba government is spending $500,000 to allow schools to assess their safety in the wake of a recent intruder incident. While the Gravenhurst case involves property damage rather than a direct threat to persons, it underscores the vulnerability of school grounds to unauthorized and destructive intrusions.
Such vandalism disrupts the learning environment and places an unnecessary financial burden on school boards and taxpayers. The timing is particularly poor as communities value their outdoor spaces, even in the late fall and winter months.
Community Response and Police Appeal
Local residents and parents have expressed frustration over the incident, viewing it as a disrespectful act that harms a shared community resource. The OPP is urging anyone with information about the white car or the driver to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam or security footage from the area around the school on November 24th are asked to contact the OPP non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Police have reminded the public that trespassing on school property and causing mischief are criminal offences that can result in charges. The goal is to identify the responsible party to hold them accountable for the damage and to deter similar behaviour in the future.
