PORT ANGELES – There will be a fence going up around the Liberty Bell replica in Port Angeles.

The city’s parks commission last night voted in favor of erecting a decorative, protective fence that would go up around the covered area that houses the Liberty Bell replica. It would have a gate to allow for the regular veterans’ ceremonies held at the bell.

The fencing decision came after the commission formed a subcommittee to further study the issue earlier this spring. Residents had complained about loitering, vandalism and damage at the bell.

Next, city parks and rec director Corey Delikat says he’ll work with citizens who are fundraising to pay for the fence to come up with a design that fits with the historic district designation in the neighborhood and the cost.

Delikat says the bell is an asset worth about 70-thousand dollars. The commission was clear the fence is a move to protect a city asset it can’t afford to replace. He says the park is not closing and the grounds there will remain open.

Delikat says because the project is not on the city’s work plan, it’ll have to be paid for through donations.

Former mayor Karen Rogers has led the effort to raise money for the fence.