The bill for the replacement of the playground equipment at ABC Park in Drayton could be about $30,000 and it remains unclear how much of the cost will be covered by insurance.
Last week councillor Jim Curry enquired about the equipment, which was allegedly torched by several youths on July 10.
Firefighters responded quickly to the Dales Drive park and extinguished the fire before it could spread and cause damage to nearby homes.
But Finance Director Mike Givens told council the two firms with which the township has spoken both stated that, for safety reasons, they prefer replacing the structure rather than fixing it.
The current equipment, now surrounded by fencing to prevent access to it, is made largely from wood, meaning its structural integrity was likely compromised due to fire damage.
Givens told the Community News quotes for $29,000 and $33,000 were received for the replacement of the equipment – using plastic and steel components. He expects the township’s insurance company will agree the structure needs to be replaced, but the company wants to get quotes of its own for the work.
“At this point it’s in the hands of the insurance adjuster,” Givens said. He added the township will have to wait for the adjuster’s report before being able to even remove the burnt equipment.
Curry expressed concern that the township was renting the fence around the equipment and suggested the matter be solved as quickly as possible to keep costs down. Givens said he is hopeful the fence rental will also be covered by insurance.
Wellington County OPP Constable Mark Cloes said at least two youths were included on the original police report about the fire.
He explained the usual process is for police to speak with the parents of youths involved in such crimes, as well as the school board or municipality that owns the equipment.
He could not confirm if any charges were laid, but said those 12 and older could be processed through the court system under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Quite often in such cases, Cloes said, the youths are dealt with through the diversion program, which offers them an opportunity to fix damage or complete community work as punishment.
Cloes seemed impressed when told one of the youths involved wrote a letter to the Community News apologizing to Drayton residents for his role in the fire. He said it’s unusual for someone so young to take responsibility in such a public forum.
