Fire at Southend playground – again

New Glasgow Regional Police Service are seeking public information in connection with an arson at the Southend Playground.
New Glasgow firefighters and the New Glasgow Regional Police Service responded to the fire at the playground, a local children’s playground on Sutherland Street, on Thursday, October 4, at approximately 8:50 p.m. Suspect or suspects started the fire on a piece of the plastic playground equipment, destroying the playground structure. The damage is estimated to be in the thousands of dollars.
“This is the second arson at this playground facility within a year; the last fire that caused substantial damage was back in December of 2011,” said Const. Ken Macdonald. “This fire is an irresponsible act of vandalism that causes great loss to the community.”
Geralyn MacDonald, New Glasgow’s director of Community Development said, “We are extremely concerned about the repetitive vandalism to this playground. This is a wonderful facility for our community and the region and it is respected and valued by the vast majority. We will be assessing the damage immediately and determining our go forward steps. We will be relying on New Glasgow Regional Police to uncover the person or persons responsible and we are grateful to New Glasgow Fire and Rescue for its quick response. We are committed towards continuing to provide quality recreational facilities for the people of New Glasgow and will not let senseless acts of vandalism keep us from having such assets in our town.”
Henderson Paris, councillor for Ward 1 where the playground sits, was upset with the news of the park’s destruction yet again. Outside the playground on Friday morning he said, “This devastation has and will affect the children who use the park on a daily basis for fun, recreation, physical activity. It put smiles on their faces. They are the ones who will truly feel the impact and loss.”
Anyone with information that could assist police in this investigation is asked to contact the New Glasgow Regional Police Service at 387-752-1941. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or 1-800-222-tips (8477).