A giant red swastika and a comment about Jews spray-painted at the back entrance of Dean Park were removed last week after the Anti-Defamation League called Shrewsbury Police.

Though that area of Dean Park, which is near the intersection of Main and School streets, is well traveled, the hate symbol and speech were never reported prior to Nov. 14, according to Jean Giles of the Parks and Recreation Department.

The swastikas looked old and faded, and were likely painted a long time ago, said Lt. Detective Daniel Sklut.

After detectives photographed the image, the Parks Department removed the swastika and hate speech.

“When people take seriously our responsibility to get rid of it, it gives everybody a feeling of hope and optimism, and it’s a good thing it wasn’t ignored,” said Tarsy.

TOL