Vandalized Playground, Burned To The Ground, Reopens

WATSONVILLE, CA — More than a year after suspected arsonists burned the Muzzio Park playground to the ground, the city has reopened the playground to the public.

A brand new structure stands in place of the playground that was found fully engulfed in the early hours of one morning last July, police said at the time. The new and improved structure is twice as big, said Nick Calubaquib, the city's director of parks and community services, in a video.

"This park and this playground really is kind of the center of this neighborhood and serves as the backyard for many of the children in Watsonville," Calubaquib said.

Police suspected arson after finding a pile of wood burning beneath the playground.

Officers canvassed the area but had no suspects.

Neighbors had raised $1,000 for rebuilding efforts. The structure was also built thanks to a grant from the state Park & Recreation Society, plus funding from other community groups.

"Like we do here in Watsonville when we face adversity, we come back much stronger and better," Calubaquib said.

Check out the new structure at 26 W. Front Street.