BURLINGTON — A few old-fashioned fundraisers have brought a new sense of security to the Burlington Commons park.

On Friday eight security cameras were up and running to provide constant monitoring of the park that overlooks the Ohio River.

The project was the brainchild of Tamara Jones, member of the Concerned Citizens of Burlington, who about a year ago found used needles discarded in the large picnic shelter at the park. Later more needles were found at another park location.

“There has always been some vandalism and mischievousness,” Ed Moellendick, president of the Concerned Citizens, said. “So we thought about cameras.”

Jones organized three fundraising dinners that each brought in $500. On top of that were community donations, plus a $1,000 contribution from the Lawrence County Commissioners, bringing the total to $3,000.

To complete the project by putting in all wiring and burying that underground is expected to cost $3,000 more.

Two cameras are at the playground area facing the shelter and basketball court with another near a storage building.

“They are taking several views of the shelter,” Moellendick said.

The plan is to add up to five more cameras as needed.