Arson Suspected in Aberdeen Playground Fire; Victory Park Destroyed, Reward Offered

UPDATE: The City of Aberdeen has been inundated with requests from citizens to donate money to the restoration effort to rebuild the Victory Park playground. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can do so by making a check payable to the City of Aberdeen, earmarked for the Victory Park Playground Restoration Effort.

From the Aberdeen Police Department:

On Thursday, August, 18 2016, at approximately 11:59 PM, officers from the Aberdeen Police Department responded to the Unit Block of Victory Street, Victory Park, for a report of a playground fire.

Once on scene, officers observed multiple pieces of the parks large municipal playground, fully engulfed in flames. Aberdeen Fire Department Engines responded and extinguished the fire.

A witness informed police that juveniles were observed on the playground minutes before the fire started.

The park and playground is owned and operated by the City of Aberdeen. Damage to the playground is estimated at over $80,000.

The investigation has been turned over to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshall.

The City of Aberdeen has offered a $500.00 reward to any person who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s involved in the Victory Park Playground fire.

From Aberdeen Mayor Patrick McGrady:

A terrible event happened today in Aberdeen. The new, cute, and fun Victory Street Park playground burned beyond repair.
The most important piece of news here is that nobody was hurt.

The cause of the fire is not known at this moment. The State’s Fire Marshal is investigating.

No matter the cause, we must stand strong and rebuild. As a community, let’s take pride in our neighborhoods and show our kids and grandkids that together we can do big things.

Let’s provide a good example of friendship, peace, and hard work that demonstrates a hope for the future.

Small things like picking up other people’s litter or painting other people’s graffiti can help in teaching kids that there is a better way.
When we all work on the small things, we can do the big things much more easily.

Join me in prayer for the Lord’s grace and strength against adversity. And let’s get to work.

Remember, the next Keep Aberdeen Beautiful community cleanup day is Saturday Sepember 2 at 9am at Festival Park. Come out and help clean up!
And don’t forget to come to Third Fridays at Festival Park this Friday starting at 5PM!

Very Respectfully,

Patrick McGrady
Mayor