Philadelphia Police arrested the man who they believe set fire to a state of the art local playground.
On Saturday, June 16, around 9:30 p.m., police say someone lit the playground at FDR Park on fire. More than half of the site was destroyed, according to investigators. Two large shade trees were also damaged. The Philadelphia Fire Marshall’s Office ruled the blaze as arson.
The $306,000 facility was created in October of 2011, using funds from the city’s capital budget and the FDR Park Trust. Parts of the playground were designed to accommodate children with physical challenges.
Mayor Michael Nutter announced an $11,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Police say an investigation led them to Kevin Beattie, 26, of the 2400 block of Camac Street. Last Friday he was arrested and charged with arson, causing/risking a catastrophe, unsworn falsifying and other related offenses.
Credit: Philadelphia Police
Mayor Nutter vowed to rebuild the playground and will be receiving plenty of help. Christina Lurie, co-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, announced the Eagles organization will donate funds to help the rebuilding effort. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson of the 2nd District also pledged $100,000 towards the reconstruction of the playground.
