Gary Duckett has dealt with vandals and other nuisances at Cayuga County parks before, but last week brought a new low.

Someone dug up and took about 20 flowers that had been planted in two spots at Emerson Park.

Duckett, the county's parks and trails director, estimated the value of the stolen flowers at about $100. County workers replaced the plantings, by the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and near the park ticket booth, on Friday.

"I've never seen that before," Duckett said.

Duckett said he is considering a security camera for the park, but isn't sure if the benefit would outweigh the cost.

"It's just frustrating. You operate on a tight budget and someone thinks they need the flowers more than the park does," he said.

The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft. Duckett said about eight flowers were stolen by the ticket booth overnight Thursday and about 12 were taken by the theater earlier in the week.