Chevret-Vassaide Park Hauled Off In Chunks – September 14, 2011
Last Friday, City workers removed the loose chunks of playlet wreckage from Chevret-Vaissade Park. Photos courtesy Tara Emmons
Eye Staff Report
ARCATA – On Saturday, Sept. 3 at about 3 a.m., the Chevret-Vaissade Park playground was destroyed by a fire. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
A reward fund of $1,500 has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the fire. The City of Arcata has contributed $1,000 to the fund and a private donor has contributed $500.
Community members wishing to donate money to the reward fund or want to help offset the cost of a replacement playground may send their donations to the Arcata Police Department, 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Please specify “Vaissade Park Fund.”
Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said, “The community support for this park has been overwhelming.” Chapman added, “We have been contacted by several people wanting to donate funds for a reward and the rebuilding of this playground.”
Tuesday morning, demolition forces returned to rip out the heavier pieces, remove the hazard and prepare the site for a replacement playset.
Police and Fire officials are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the APD at (707) 822-2428.
The Rotary Club of Arcata announced that it will match up to $4,000 of the amount raised by the neighborhood and community for the rebuilding of the Chevret-Vaissade Park, in Arcata. “The Rotary Club of Arcata would like to participate in any community work party authorized by the City and provide any assistance needed to expedite the completion of the repair project as soon as possible” announced Rotary Club of Arcata President Stan Elcock. stanelcock@yahoo.com.
