Up in flames

Typically, on a hot summer’s day, sounds of laughter and play by area youngsters echo throughout Lake Goodwin Community Park.

Now, charred remains of the two-story pirate ship play structure stand silent.

Melted plastic drips from the maze of slides on the surrounding playground apparatus.

A suspected deliberate fire destroyed equipment at the popular destination south of Stanwood last Monday morning, July 26.

The fire was reported by a passerby around 6:30 a.m. and was extinguished by the Marysville Fire Department. One unit responded to control the blaze that engulfed a large portion of the play structure made of wood, plastic and metal. Bark lining the play area also caught fire.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident as arson.

Damage is estimated at more than $100,000, said Tom Teigen, Snohomish County parks director.

The pirate ship play structure at Lake Goodwin Community Park burst into flames early Monday morning, July 26. PHOTO COURTSEY SNOCO. Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon called the destruction of county parks equipment an offense against taxpayers and local families. He urged anyone with information about the fire to contact local law enforcement.

“This is undeniably a malicious crime that hurts the community members who use this park,” said Reardon. “The person or persons should be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows.”

According to Teigen, the playground will be closed for the rest of summer. However, the remainder of the park, including the restrooms, beach and parking area, will remain open.

Formerly a resort and tavern property, the site was acquired by the county in 1996 with Conservation Futures and state funding. The community park was completed and dedicated in April 2006. Total cost of construction was $2 million. The playground equipment and surrounding area cost $160,000.

Snohomish County officials suspect the fire was purposely set and are looking for information from the community. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS “With budgets as tight as they are,” said Teigen, “it will be difficult to replace the damaged equipment.”

He reported that the ship and its foundation are destroyed, but concrete footings and steel mounts for the surrounding equipment may be salvageable.

The price of the damage falls short of the county’s insurance deductable for the park system, said Christopher Schwarzen, spokesman for the executive’s office.

He indicated that people are expressing an “outpouring of support” through fundraising intentions. County officials expect to have updated reports on the site, as well as any fundraising details, by the end of the week.

A temporary construction fence has been set in place around the playground area to keep kids away from the structures.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of a suspect or suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-55-ARSON to make an anonymous report, or to call 911.