Suspected Arson Fire Destroys Woodbridge Playground

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A popular playground built for children with special needs, particularly autism, was destroyed by a fire this week in what Woodbridge Twp. officials say they strongly suspect was arson.

The playground is located at Matthew Jago School #28 in the Sewaren section. The call of the playground on fire first came in at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1. The initial report was made by a neighborhood resident who spotted the fire. The Port Reading Fire Department, along with the Woodbridge Police Department and Woodbridge Office of Emergency Management, responded to the playground and quickly extinguished the fire.

When they got there, however, the playground was already engulfed in flames.

However, the damage had already been done and Woodbridge Twp. spokesman John Hagerty said the playground has been practically destroyed. Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac will be inspecting the damage Thursday afternoon.

“This fire destroyed a significant portion of the $250,000 playground which was installed at the school in 2008," said Mayor McCormac. "I am confident that the WPD Detective division will track down and arrest those responsible for this senseless fire that destroyed a playground and endangered an entire community.”

The Matthew Jago School #28 “Boundless Playground” was constructed in August 2008 with a $250,000 open space grant from Middlesex County. A “Boundless Playground” is a fully-accessible playground designed to provide handicapped and challenged youngsters of all ages and skills. The playground had 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.

This is not the first time a playground in Woodbridge Twp. has been destroyed 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, Hagerty told Patch.

The WPD, with assistance from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, is conducting the investigation. At this time the investigation is focusing on a suspected arson. Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity prior to the Port Reading Fire Department arriving on the scene at 5:45 PM should call the WPD at: 732-634-7700. All information will remain confidential.

Photos of the damage provided by Woodbridge Twp.