Torched Alley Pond Park Playground Reopens After Arson's Damage

The Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park - located at the corner of Springfield Blvd. and 79th Ave. in Oakland Gardens - reopens after a fire caused a $175,000 worth of damage.

Queens

The Alley Pond Park playground reopened late last week after having been shuttered in September due to an apparent act of arson, according to Douglaston-LittleNeck Patch.

Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, who obtained funds to repair the playground, joined Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and local leaders Friday to reopen the site.

“It is a shame that the community had to go for several months without this playground, but I am pleased that the Alley Pond Park’s children’s playground is open for business once again,” Weprin said.

At fire was set to Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park early Wednesday morning, September 28, 2011. Several pieces of equipment were melted. (Photo: NBC New York)

A total $175,000 was spent to replace the playground equipment, which was damaged during an overnight fire on Sept. 28.

City Department of Parks and Recreation officials believe that the fire was an act of arson, but no arrests have been made in the incident.

The playground is located in Alley Pond Park at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and 76^thAve. in Oakland Gardens.

Weprin said thousands of northeast Queens children use the playground each year.

Read More:

Torched Alley Pond Park Playground Reopens

Site had been closed after a fire in September

Douglaston-LittleNeck Patch - June 19, 2012 - By Nathan Duke

Playground Set On Fire in Alley Pond Park

A Walk In The Park - September 29, 2011

Playground Set On Fire in Alley Pond Park

At fire was set to Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park early Wednesday morning. Several pieces of equipment were melted. (Photo: NBC New York)

Queens

Several city agencies are investigating the torching of a children's playground at the Alley Pond Park in Queens, according to NBC News.

The arson happened sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

Fire was set to the playground at the park, located at Springfield Boulevard and 76th Avenue in Oakland Gardens, damaging the ground surface and several pieces of playground equipment.

Both police and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation are investigating.

Local City Council member Mark Weprin said thousands of local children use the playground.

"Anyone who witnessed the action or has relevant information should come forward," said Weprin. "The children of our community have lost access to a beautiful and safe place to play."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

(Photo: DouglastonPatch)

Read/View More:

Police Investigate Queens Playground Torching

NBC New York - September 29, 2011

Arson fire damages Alley Pond Park playground

YourNabe - September 28, 2011 - By Rich Bockmann