Sep 11, 2008 9:18 am US/Eastern
Police: Playground Fire Was Arson
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A playground goes up in flames in Baltimore.
CBS
Neighbors are promising to rebuild and restore a playground that was deliberately burned to the ground Tuesday. People living in Waverly rallied Wednesday night at the site of the ruins.
Mary Bubala has their emotional message.
From Memorial Stadium to a new life as a YMCA and playground, these acres are in transition. But Tuesday's fire was a tragic change. Flames destroyed the majority of an acre.
Investigators say this was arson, but a new chapter for Stadium Place starts now.
"I can't imagine not having this playground. My nephew loves it. I love it," said Victoria Pennacchia.
A parking lot full of anxious volunteers vowed Wednesday to rebuild, among emotions about how this happened.
"I know that it wasn't one of our children who did this. I know that," said community organizer Debra Evans. "But it's a good...we're going to build this playground over."
The backdrop to this revived energy is the investigation to find whomever started this fire.
The Baltimore Fire Department is posting flyers around the neighborhood, hoping someone will come forward with information leading to the arrest of the arsonist.
Student playground monitors plan to stick around to work with younger kids at the Y.
"We will probably move in to inside the building and helping out there. And I have no idea what the kids are going to do. I just hope they find something that's recreational until the playground is rebuilt," said Justin Garvin.
Organizers expect thousands to sign up to build. The target date is next April.
"We have to take into consideration of ordering all of the supplies, getting them here, borrowing tools, getting the volunteers and we need nine good days weather-free to build it," Evans said.
And if, as promised, the new design will trump the old one, kids have some requests: a train, a water fountain, a zoo and a sliding board.
No matter what it includes, these neighbors are ready to turn the page to a happier ending for this space.
Donations and volunteer offers can be sent to:
Friends of the Playground
C/O Greater Homewood Community Corporation
3503 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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