KENTWOOD, Mich. — A community is coming together this week to rebuild a part of their neighborhood that was destroyed.
Fire investigators suspect arson is to blame for the playground fire at Pinewood Park in Kentwood last Thanksgiving, and after months of planning, crews finally broke ground Thursday a new structure for families to enjoy.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Ziesemer says the cost to rebuild the playground is covered by insurance, around $175,000.
“It’s very frustrating for the tax payers and the neighbors that built it,” Ziesemer said. “They were mad and justifiably so, but you have to get beyond that.”
Volunteers helped crews construct the new non-flammable playground. “I was kind of broken-hearted, having been so invested in it originally, and it’s awesome to see it come back together,” said George Guyott of Princeton Estates Home Owners Association.
Ziesemer said it’s no use dwelling on who caused the damage. “We just have to keep building, and the neighborhood is stronger, I think, because of that.”
There are still no suspects in the arson. And as for new playground, crews are hoping to have it done by the weekend.
