Arson damages playground at St. Stanislaus School in Chicopee

By Peggy Weber

CHICOPEE – Fire damaged a playground behind St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front St.,, here, late Sunday evening, July 6. The fire was deliberate and arson was suspected, according to Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Zielke, pastor.

The playground was built four years ago and cost $50,000, according to Father Zielke.

It was built with donations from the parish and grant money from the Foundation of the Diocese of Springfield for the fencing around the playground.

The 48 by 52 foot playground is surrounded by a fence and locked.

The fire was discovered shortly after 11 p.m. by parishioners who were returning from a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Pennsylvania.

“They saw flames shooting from the playground and called 911,” said Father Zielke.
“It’s pretty much a total loss,” he said. “The playground equipment was plastic so what didn’t burn was pretty much warped.”

“I’m saddened by this. The playground is for the kids. When we bought the houses behind the parking lot to put up the playground everyone was so excited,” he said.

The playground is used by students from pre-kindergarten to grade four.

“Whoever did this needs our prayers. Someone must be so sick to take away such good, clean fun from the children,” said Father Zielke. He said that the parish hopes to rebuild the playground in time for the opening of school in the fall.

Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Cecelia Haier, principal, said she, too, was “saddened” by the fire. “This is something that the children have enjoyed and benefited from,” she said.

“We hope to rebuild for the sake of the children.”

Damages have been estimated between $15,000 and $40,000.

Donations to the Playground Fund may be sent to St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013.

Anyone with information about the fire may call the Chicopee Fire Department at 594-1635.