2 days ago
Community rallies to rebuild ‘Purple Park' after suspicious fire at Edmonton school playground
What took nearly a decade of grassroots effort to build was gone in a single morning — and now, a northwest Edmonton community is raising funds to bring it back.
A fire early Saturday morning destroyed the playground at St. Pius X Elementary School, known locally as 'Purple Park.' The Sherbrooke Community League has launched a fundraising campaign in hopes of rebuilding the structure, which was the result of nearly 10 years of community work.
As of Monday, more than $7,895 had been raised toward a $50,000 goal, including a $5,000 donation from the neighbouring Prince Charles Community League. The remaining $2,895 has come from the wider Edmonton community, in donations ranging from $25 to $100, said Sherbrooke Community League president Catherine Jevic.
'The community is coming together at the park and throughout the neighbourhood, stopping and talking with one another about the fire and next steps,' she told Postmedia. 'Everyone is curious how it happened, how much insurance will end up covering and when the reconstruction can be completed.'
Jevic said the playground has been especially important for local families due to its accessible design and daily use.
'Accessible recreation spaces are so difficult to find, so this park has been a game changer for many families in the neighbourhood, including the rocking table and other accommodations,' she said. ''Purple Park' was a children's landmark. The children are heartbroken, but they know how much love was poured into the space and that the community will come together and rebuild the playground as soon as we can.'
The original playground was built by the St. Pius X Parent Association, she added.
The fire broke out around 8 a.m. Saturday. According to Edmonton police, officers in the area saw smoke coming from near 122 Avenue and 128 Street. When they arrived, they found the playground beside St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School on fire. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) responded and quickly extinguished the blaze.
No injuries were reported, and the school itself was not affected.
One EFRS crew and a district chief were dispatched to the scene and had the fire under control within 17 minutes of arrival, said public information officer Ian Riddick.
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has labelled the fire suspicious and continues to investigate. As of Monday, access to the playground remains closed. Investigators are asking anyone with information, or with dashcam or security footage from between 5 and 8 a.m. Saturday in the area of 122 Avenue and 128 Street, to contact police.
EPS said in an email Monday that 'the investigation is ongoing' and they will be providing 'a more fulsome update when one is available.'
In a Facebook post, the St. Pius X Parent Association expressed shock and sorrow.
'We are devastated to find our school park in flames. For now, we have no words. We are grateful to every human, business, and community member who helped us build this playground. We are sad for the students of St. Pius X and hope to see it rebuilt as soon as possible.'
The playground was the result of years of collaboration between the Sherbrooke Community League, the parent association, and local families and volunteers.
Donations to support the rebuild can be made through the Sherbrooke Community League's website or Facebook page.
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