Fresno neighborhood playground damaged by fire

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Neighbors and especially kids were saddened to see their playground destroyed by fire. It happened at a park in East Central Fresno near Temperance and Shields and authorities now ask for the public's help.

The fire broke out about 6:40 Tuesday evening so there was still plenty of daylight. Investigators hope someone saw who may have been responsible for the playground equipment fire.

A good portion of the playground where kids laughed very day was reduced to a twisted mass of melted plastic and metal. Yellow tape kept everyone away so neighbors watched from a distance. The kids had to find something else to do. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

Shelley Melikian said, "It's really disappointing. I can't believe someone would just come with the intention in our small little community that no one really knows is here and just light something on fire."

Melikian was a regular at the park - visiting every day. Her dogs love to get a drink when the sprinklers come on. She said even 10-month old Brayton was sad.

"He's an outside boy. He's very disappointed in what happened."

The Villages at Carriage House Park is not managed by the city of Fresno. Neighbors said their homeowner association dues - about $35 a month - paid for the upkeep. The park is part of a Lennar Homes development.

Another neighbor, Beatrice Ruiz, said, "I'm sure they're going to rebuild it. It's going to take a lot of time. In the meantime it's kind of sad. Just to see the vandalism done is heartbreaking."

Neighbors, some who had never even met before, gathered to talk about how much the playground meant to their families.

Melikian explained, "There's tons of families. I would say there's at least 20 kids from at least three to up to ten or eleven who are here every day in the evenings and the mornings and that is their main attraction. That big structure that is now gone."

The Fresno City Fire Department said the fire is still under investigation. They urge anyone with information to call 621-4000.