UPDATED: Three Burlington Parks Reopen After Playgrounds Set on Fire

Content Originally Published on:

November 21, 2017 at 4:36 pm

Three city parks in Burlington are now open after being severely damaged by arson.

“Burlington families rely on these parks to bring their children to play,” said Mayor Rick Goldring.

Three city parks in Burlington are now open after being severely damaged by arson.

“Burlington families rely on these parks to bring their children to play,” said Mayor Rick Goldring.

“It’s offensive to the community that someone would destroy these parks where residents gather. It’s great news that these playgrounds have been replaced and reopened for the community to enjoy.”

The playground and park equipment in Doug Wright Park, Emerson Park and Lansdown Park were damaged by fire that was deliberately set, costing taxpayers roughly $150,000.

The overnight incidents took place last June.

“There were no injuries,” said Halton police Sgt. Dana Nicholas, adding no charges have been laid.

The first incident was at Emerson Park on June 3 at 3:24 a.m. 

Patrol officers arrived, finding a crawl tube that was destroyed.

The second blaze was on June 10 at Doug Wright Park at 3:02 a.m. — this time the entire playground was engulfed when firefighters arrived, Nicholas said.

The third fire was at Lansdown on June 11 at 4:04 a.m.

“According to the initial report, the entire play structure was engulfed in flames when police and fire arrived,” said Nicholas. 

The City of Burlington has repaired and replaced the playgrounds.

Here’s the breakdown: The playground equipment in Emerson Park was repaired at a cost of slightly more than $5,000.

Playground equipment, underground drainage and the protective surface was replaced in Doug Wright and Lansdown Parks.

The cost to complete the work in Doug Wright Park was about $85,000, while Lansdown Park cost was about $60,000.

“We recognize how important these playgrounds are to the families who use them,” said manager of parks and open spaces Rob Peachey.

“Replacing the play equipment was a priority for the City of Burlington.”

Halton police are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 3 District’s criminal investigations bureau 905-825-4747 ext. 2316. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

Photos courtesy of the City of Burlington