What Coward did this???

Posted by Monica in General Brain Waves | 7 comments

For the second time in as many years, a beautiful playground in a Natomas neighborhood was burned to the ground. I don’t know what asshole did this, or why, but I hope to GOD the guilt just eats them up, and they turn themselves in to the authorities. My meetup groups loved Fort Natomas, and would go there frequently, and now no one can enjoy this park.

Back in June of 2006, this playground was set fire by arsonists, and the community was just devastated. They quickly formulated plans to rebuild Fort Natomas. In November of 2006, after months of sales, fundraisers and planning, 7 days of work in the cold and pouring rain, several hundred or more volunteers, and $300,000 , the park was rebuilt and opened for children to play again. 

I was able to take the girls to enjoy this park for the first time in January of this year, and they absolutely loved it. We came home with lots of pictures to show Daddy, and got him all excited about visiting Fort Natomas with us one weekend. It truly was a beautiful park, and you could just feel the energy and love of all the people who helped rebuild it! When I saw the story on Good Day Sacramento this morning, I seriously just wanted to cry. The girls knew exactly what they were seeing when they turned to look at the TV. They were visibly upset when they realized that the playground they love to go to was “on fire”. I explained to them that a mean person set the park on fire, and that the good police men and women will do everything they can to find that mean person and put them in jail… They told me “We hope so!” so I know they understand what’s going on. I’ve debated taking them by the park, but not sure if I’m ready to deal with the tears that will surely follow… from all of us. 

The latest word from CBS13.com is that Mayor Heather Fargo and City Councilmember Ray Tretheway are offering $5,000 for the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for destroying the play area.

Also, if anyone has ANY information pertaining to the investigation of this fire, the Sacramento Fire Department urges you to call their arson tip line at 916-808-8732. I am pretty sure you can remain anonymous. 

I also saw a poster at the playground saying that if you’d like to help, or have information you can send an email to fortnatomas AT gmail DOT com or call 916-808-7001. 

I truly hope that the person or persons that set Fort Natomas on fire are caught and punished to the fullest extent. Why anyone would want to destroy a wonderful place that children play is beyond me.. 

UPDATE 5-28-08: Councilmember Tretheway appeared on Good Day Sacramento to ask for help in finding the arsonist, and help rebuilding Fort Natomas again!

www.fortnatomas.org has been created and there are more updates there. They are accepting donations at: 

Gifts to Share / Rebuild Fort Natomas (Tax ID No.: 94-985546)
C/O Councilmember Ray Tretheway
915 I Street, Fifth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Update 5-29-08 The reward has now been raised to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.