City repairs Beltzhoover playground extensively damaged by flames

PITTSBURGH — A playground badly damaged by fire last year in Pittsburgh's Beltzhoover neighborhood was repaired. City Public Works made the announcement Wednesday on Twitter.

Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Director Mike Gable said about two-thirds of the playground equipment at the Warrington Community Recreation Center was destroyed by the fire in April 2105. The flames melted plastic and rubber mats.

"I feel terrible. It’s a shame because the kids barely have anything to do anyway, and this was something for them to look forward to go to after school. Now what are they going to do? They don’t have much to do here in Warrington,” said Danielle Ferguson, whose nieces and nephews use the playground frequently.

City officials are not calling it suspicious, but they said arson investigators are looking at surveillance video for further insight.

Gable said the damage is estimated between $75,000 and $100,000.

Cox Media Group