A Tecumseh playground has risen from the ashes.
The playground at Lacasse Park is set to officially reopen Friday afternoon after a fire last fall destroyed it. The opening was confirmed by a tweet Friday morning from Tecumseh Fire and Rescue.
https://twitter.com/TECFD/status/1007617417177190401
The playground equipment, almost identical to the structure ruined in the fire, was put in place within the last couple of weeks. Crews were still working this week on putting down the rubber flooring, similar to the old playground. The flooring reduces the risk of injury from falls.
The town of Tecumseh sent out a tweet Thursday saying work was still being done and asking people not to use the park until it reopened. A fence had been built around the site to discourage people from trying out the equipment until the floor was in place.
https://twitter.com/TownofTecumseh/status/1007301261589434373
The structure was destroyed in a fire on October 10, 2017. Smoke from the fire could be seen for several kilometres. Firefighters worked against the clock to put out the flames and coat the flooring with foam since families were using the park at the time the fire broke out and a baseball game was in progress nearby.
There were no injuries and no evacuations were needed.
There was about $400,000 in damage, according to Tecumseh Fire. Later reports showed the damage was more than that.
A 13-year-old boy told police he was playing with fire on the equipment, and the fire went out of control before he could put it out. He was charged with arson, but completed a youth diversion program and has been remorseful for his actions.
Lacasse Park is a popular area near St. Pius X Catholic School, including a walking trail, picnic areas, and the Tecumseh pool.
The park hosts the annual Tecumseh Corn Festival.
Firefighters inspect a burned-out playground at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh on October 10, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.