Schools

New Playground Burned in Late Night Fire at P.S. 29

Fire Marshalls are investigating the incident

Playground equipment in 's schoolyard was set on fire early Sunday morning, police said.

According to a Fire Department spokesperson, the fire was reported just before 1 a.m. FDNY Fire Marshalls were alerted and are now investigating the cause of the fire.

At the school on Sunday, children were playing ball on the sidewalk outside the schoolyard, which was closed to the public.

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"It's just crazy," said PTA Vice-President Lisa Trollbäck at the school Sunday afternoon. "Who would do this?"

Building manager John Russo said he was planning to call the contractor who built the playground to see if any of it was salvageable, adding he hopes parts can be replaced.

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The P.S. 29 schoolyard and playground was completely renovated recently and hasn't been open for even a year.

"This is just heartbreaking," said Trollbäck. "We haven't even finished painting yet."

According to an e-mail circulated by the school PTA, there was also vandalism around the school.

The schoolyard is open to the public on weekends, said Russo, who added that it should be locked up at night. Parents who live in the vicinity have keys, Russo said.

The 76 Precinct has stepped up patrols around parks and schoolyards, as an extra precaution.

Anyone with information should call the 76th Precinct Community Affairs Officers at 718-834-3207.


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