After Devastating Fire, Woodbridge Jago Playground Reopens Friday

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — After it was partially destroyed by an arson fire in the summer of 2018, the playground at Matthew Jago School #28 will have its official re-opening this Friday, Oct. 18. There will be a ribbon-cutting at the playground at 2 p.m. Friday.; the Woodbridge mayor and superintendent of schools will be there.

The playground, called a "boundless playground" is located behind Matthew Jago public elementary school #28 in Sewaren and it was specifically designed for autistic and challenged youngsters.

The playground was badly damaged by a fire on Aug. 1, 2018: The fire was first reported at 5:45 p.m. that day after a resident who lives nearby saw it and called 911. When firefighters got there, the Jago school playground was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters were able to put it out, but more than $100,000 in damage had already been done.

A few days later, three juveniles (age 15, 14 and 14) were arrested and charged with setting the fire. They are all from Woodbridge Township. The three teens were allegedly observed at the playground in the late afternoon of Aug. 1.

This is not the first time a playground in Woodbridge Twp. has been badly damaged by fire: In 2009, a playground at Fifth District Park in Avenel was destroyed by fire, as well. Originally, officials thought it was arson but the cause of that fire turned out to be accidental, from kids playing with matches or a cigarette lighter.

The custom-designed Jago school playground included more than 60 different pieces of equipment, including wheelchair access ramps, swings, platforms and seats; monster sliding boards; tube slides; tree, snake, coil, and centipede climbing ladders; a crazy maze adventure area; benches and tables — all handicapped accessible. It will re-open to the public this Friday.

Related: Three Teens Charged With Setting Fire To Woodbridge Playground