Parents taking their children to Armley Park this week were horrified when they saw the recently renovated space had been attacked by arsonists.
After years of campaigning for the park to be turned into a new playground , a six month long renovation project was undertaken in 2021 and was finished in March this year. "Our dream came true when phase one of the new playground was opened", Leeds mum Catherine Hyde said.
But, on September 30, the park was targeted by arsonists just seven months after the completed renovation. Residents who went to the park the following day said they found climbing boulders "burnt to the ground", trees felled as well as burnt equipment and playground flooring.
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"This was not a small fire but a deliberate arson attack", Catherine, known as Cat, added. The mum and other parents have formed group Friends of Armley and Gotts Park, to fight back against the attack.
A £20,000 fundraiser on Go Fund Me has been set up to try and save the green space. Organiser Cat said: "Unfortunately, this kind of play equipment is unlikely to be insured, or the excess will be too significant; therefore, we have decided to fundraise to ensure Armley's kids do not go without for too long.
"It is estimated the equipment and flooring will cost approximately £30,000 to replace. If we are lucky enough to generate excess funds, these will go towards maintaining the playground. But volunteers from the Friends of Armley and Gotts Park group yesterday launched a fundraiser to replace the equipment, and have already raised hundreds of pounds in a matter of a few hours."
She added: "As we have done in the past, we will liaise and work with the police and community leaders to see what can be done to stop this problem from reoccurring.
"Armley Park is a much loved and needed green space for Armley residents; the park is our garden, and we will fight for its upkeep."
A number of people have donated already and shared what the park means to them. "This is devastating and know how vital play spaces are to the community and young people", Sarah Smith said.
P. Harding added: "I donated because every child deserves to have a nice place to play."
You can donate to the appeal here.
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