The wooden play structure that has long been a centerpiece of Turlock's Donnelly Park was set ablaze Wednesday evening, in what police are terming a "suspicious" fire.
An entire tower of the wooden play structure was engulfed in flames at one point before the fire was contained. Though the play structure did not completely burn, it is heavily charred in places.
"There is significant damage to the play structure itself," said Turlock Police Lt. Miguel Pacheco.
William John Holly, who first reported the fire to police at 9:30 p.m., told TurlockCityNews.com that he saw a group of at least three boys at the scene "laughing and such."
"I was across the lake with my friend Stephanie Gutierrez jogging when they started running away," Holly said."Then I saw the flames and dialed 9-1-1."
Holly described the boys as looking and sounding middle school age, but noted that they were far away.
Turlock police do not currently have anyone under arrest for the potential arson, Pacheco said. The fire remains under investigation, with Turlock Fire Department crews still on-site.
The wooden play structure was designed and built in 1998 by members of Turlock's faith-based community. It was last resealed in November by the Pitman High School basketball teams.
TurlockCityNews.com will provide further updates as information becomes available.
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I was at Donnelly park last year and there were two boys, around 12 who were twin brothers. They were trying to catch the grass on fire but were failing to do so because they couldn’t find a patch of grass dry enough to do so. I don’t know if this information helps at all, but I feel like I need to share it.