Arson Investigated in Lynn Crest Playground Fire

A fire that started in a trash can in the playground adjacent to in Colonia partially destroyed the site Saturday night.

Police and firefighters responded to a call around 8:55 pm on April 29, when several neighbor to the saw smoke pouring from the playground area.

One nearby resident took a walk towards the school and saw that the fire had spread from a trash can to a bench, and then to the jungle gym.

A picnic table nearby was partially melted from the blaze. Recycled tire chips used to cushion falls of playing kids were blackened and sooty and covered the area.

When police arrived, they said the jungle gym was "full involved" in the fire. The part of playground affected by the blaze was the section where older children played, according to the Lynn Crest School PTO blog.

Police believe the cause of the fire was arson.

The playground was brand new, dedicated only 8 months ago for the use of children in the school and neighborhood. Police couldn't estimate the amount of damage from the fire.

A Sunday entry on the Lynn Crest PTO blog decried the loss of the playground equipment. "We feel bad for the students that will have to see the charred playground tomorrow at school," the entry said and suggested parents speak to their children about the loss of part of the playground.

Pictures of the destroyed playground as well as comments from outraged Colonia residents flew on the Colonia 07067 Facebook page.

"A group of people worked hard to raise the money for this, get the permits, and construct it, and it's all gone in the space of a few minutes," said Doreen Senatore.

Ted Peake said he spoke to a young mom who was very angry. "There where a lot of people stopping in here to look at the damage, and they all could be heard [expressing] disgust at the fire!" Peake wrote.

Mona Bones said a reward should be offered for the apprehension of the vandals.

"This should not be glossed over as just an act of vandalism. The rage that was expressed and the disregard to children shows a dangerous level of imbalance. I think a reward should be offered for their apprehension before they strike again," Bones said.

Patty Costa Rodrigues vowed to rebuild the playground. "...the students at Lynn Crest 22 are devastated. But we will rebuild and will see the smiles of the children playing on their playground," she wrote. We won't these punks get away with it."

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information should call Det. Thomas Della Sala at 732-634-7700.

Have you seen the playground? What do you think of the fire? Post your comments - and your pictures!