City committed to replacing torched playground
Playground structure destroyed in arson
CBC News
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 6:26 PM AT
Last Updated: Feb 26, 2013 7:40 PM AT
More than a decade ago, the Kiwanis Club paid thousands to build the playground. It's one of the few wheelchair accessible parks around the city. (CBC)
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A wooden playground ship destroyed by fire Monday evening near Alderney Landing in Dartmouth will cost $100,000 to replace, say officials with the Halifax Regional Municipality.
After numerous calls from parents and people in the community, the city said it's making it a priority to rebuild the burned-out play structure.
"It's a shock really to see this park in this state. It's one that I've played in with my kids since they were born — I have a six year old and an eight year old. It's devastating to see it," said Tim Rissesco, the president of the Kiwanis Club.
More than a decade ago, the Kiwanis Club paid thousands of dollars to build the playground. It's one of the few wheelchair accessible parks around the city. The city said any rebuild will also be accessible.
At around 5:15 p.m. on Monday evening, Halifax Regional Police and fire crews were dispatched to the Dartmouth playground near the Alderney Landing ferry terminal to extinguish a playground boat that suffered extensive damage.
Halifax Regional Police believe that the fire was deliberately set, said Staff Sgt. Lindsay Hernden.
The damage to the structure is beyond repair. Rissesco said it's going to be expensive to rebuild.
"A play structure like this would probably be closer to $100,000 to replace," he said.
"Hopefully the community will come together and we'll be able to do something for this park and the area."
The playground was scheduled for a $40,000 retrofit this summer. That money will now go toward building a new structure.
On Monday, following the fire, police interviewed five teenagers. No one has been arrested or charged.
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