- A second arson in two months caused $120,000 damage at Provo playground.
- The fire destroyed equipment, impacting city budget and delaying other park projects.
- Provo police seek public help in investigating the vandalism incidents at Quail Orchard Park.
PROVO — A second act of arson in just two months has left portions of a popular Provo playground in ruins, with damages estimated at more than $120,000.
The fire, reported Thursday morning at Quail Orchard Park, has devastated a section of the playground located at 522 E. 3900 North, leaving behind a melted slide and charred equipment, including the tarp overhang and soft surfacing.
The fire was reported at approximately 3:08 a.m., according to city officials.
"It's rude, and I really wanted to go on that slide today," said 7-year-old Brooks Perrotti, a frequent visitor to the park.
Since the park's grand opening in September 2023, it has suffered nearly $200,000 in vandalism-related repairs, city officials said. Thursday's fire alone is expected to cost $122,000 to fix, money the city said it does not have in its budget.
"We all pay for it, but it really ends up being the children who hurt the most," said Doug Robins, director of Provo Parks and Recreation.
Robins noted that this is the third major vandalism incident at the park, and the second involving arson in just the past two months. On June 30, another fire caused $66,000 in damage to playground stepping platforms. Last summer, fireworks damaged shade sails, costing $8,000 to replace.
According to Robins, the city's Capital Improvement Plan is updated each year with projects planned for the next five years, including outdoor recreation amenities throughout the entire city.
"Vandalism damages are unanticipated impacts to the budget and an unnecessary draw on limited resources," Robins said in a press release.
"These acts of vandalism are not only disheartening, they're a direct hit to our city's limited resources," Robins said. "They delay improvements at other parks and force us to divert funds from future projects."
Despite the setbacks, city officials remain committed to maintaining and improving public spaces. The 7-acre, $5.5 million park was designed to be a hub for families and children, offering a wide range of recreational amenities.
The Provo Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is asking residents to check home security footage and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information is urged to contact Provo Police at 801-852-6210.
