Some would say, this is why we can’t have nice things.
Suspicious Fire Shuts Down Much of Kennewick Park
Highlands Grange Park is one of Kennewick’s favorite locations for people to recreate. Located next to the Mid-Columbia Library Branch on South Union, it features a splash pad, several gazebo covered tables, and more. It also has the outdoor ‘hockey’ rink facility, and a lot of acreage to play.
Now, portions of the park are out of commission indefinitely after a fire destroyed the restroom building late Tuesday night August 4th.
Kennewick Police and Fire Responded Around 11:52 PM
Kennewick Fire Units arrived and found the building engulfed in flames. After putting it out, along with Kennewick Police, they determined the fire is suspicious and likely caused by “human activity,” but stopped short of labeling it as arson.
Kennewick Crime Detectives will be assisting Fire Investigators in determine what, and if possible, who started it.
Police Asking for Access to Nearby Security Camera Footage
KPD says they are seeking any security footage from surroundings homes on all sides of the 26 acre complex. They’re hoping to scan footage from 10:30 PM onward to the beignning of the fire.
The Park is Still Open, But…
The restroom building is cordoned off, and the splash pad is also inoperable, because it draws its power and water from the same lines that feed the restrooms. Officials don’t have a timeline determined when the facilites will be re-opened.
There have been a number of fires in several Kennewick Parks over the last year or two, especially some triggered by transients in Columbia Park.
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