Controversial Water Fight Planned for Bexley Park Fizzles, Police Say

A water fight planned for parks in and Cleveland fizzled, according to police from both cities.

The controversial event was organized by Malik Wallington,15, of Cleveland. Wallington used social media, such as Twitter and Schmap.it, to promote the event. A Facebook page showed more than 2,700 confirmed guests. Wallington said he'd expected 30 to 50 attendees.

The water battle was scheduled for Bexley Park in South Euclid. After receiving a tip about the event, South Euclid police closed the park and hosted canine training. Wallington then moved the event to Neff Pool, on E. 193rd and Bella Ave.

South Euclid Police Chief Kevin Nietert said almost no youngsters showed up at Bexley Park on Saturday. He said police on Mayfield Road were approached by a small group of teenagers looking for the park. The youth left after learning it had been closed.

Sgt. Sam Morris of the Cleveland Division of Police said nothing happened at the Neff Pool, either.

"The event didn't occur," Morris said. "I don't believe anybody showed up."

Police on the to prevent large gatherings of youth, what people are calling "flash mobs," like the one that June 26 because they can get out of control.

Some estimated that thousands of kids filled streets and some refused to leave after the recent summer fair. Usually there are a few during the summer, but the has been canceled. Fights broke out and 16 were arrested. Cleveland Heights City Council for minors just days after that incident. 

Nietert called the events "disruptive" because they attract huge crowds of unsupervised youth to locations that can't accommodate them.