Playground At Greene Acres Park Destroyed after ‘suspicious’ Fire

CLOVIS, NM August 2, 2023 –  A City of Clovis playground was engulfed in flames on Wednesday,  destroying 90% of the new equipment.  The playground, located near 2001 Michell St in Greene Acres Park, went up in flames around 3:09 p.m. on August 2. Clovis Fire Department crews responded to the fire and were able to quickly put it out.

“This looks like it was intentionally done,” explained City of Clovis Parks and Recreation Director, Russell Hooper. “This is a costly act of vandalism.”

The equipment finished installation a month to six weeks ago, according to Hooper, and cost around $85,000.

Investigators are looking for video to comb through to verify suspects.

“If you live around the park or close to it and have video footage, will you please check the video footage ASAP and provide any details you can,” asks Mike Nolen, Fire Chief of the Clovis Fire Department. “The playground is very expensive to replace.”

The Clovis Fire Department has made the area as safe as possible, but the City will not be able to repair or make changes to the area until investigators have assessed the damage.

If you have any questions or information about regarding the vandalism please contact the City of Clovis Police Department at (575) 769-1921.

Download the Press Release, here.