Vandals torch play structure in Glen Cairn

Fire on Rickey Place Park play structure

UPDATE – JUNE 26: Ottawa Police and Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information on the vandalism that leads to an arrest.  Police say this fire was set around 10:30pm, and received reports of another play structure with burn marks nearby at Glen Cairn Public School.  If you have information regarding the identity of the suspects responsible or witness any suspicious or criminal  activity in the parks call Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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A small fire on a play structure in Rickey Place Park in Glen Cairn has left behind a big bill for the City and a big inconvenience for kids.

Late last night, neighbours noticed flames coming from the play structure.  Damage was limited to a hole burned through a plastic tunnel on the structure, but the whole tunnel has to be replaced.

Laila Gibbons, Manager of parks, buildings and grounds services for the City of Ottawa, says that public works staff have closed off each end of the tunnel with plywood, but that the rest of the play structure is safe to use.

A new crawl tube has been ordered at a cost of $2,000 and is expected to arrive in four to six weeks.  That means kids in Glen Cairn will be without one of the coolest features of the play structure for at least half the summer.

Neighbours say the Kanata park is a popular spot for teenagers to hang out in after dark, and that there are often beer cans and bottles left behind on the ground in the morning.

Fire on Rickey Place Park play structure Fire on Rickey Place Park play structure

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