Investigators are working to track down those responsible for a blaze that raced through a $750,000 playground at Recreation Park on Binghamton's West Side.

The fire in the fully-accessible facility was reported around 12:45 a.m. Monday, several hours after hundreds of people gathered in the park for a racial justice demonstration.

A section of the OurSpace playground at Recreation Park during a demonstration on May 31, 2020. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A section of the OurSpace playground at Recreation Park during a demonstration on May 31, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The blaze damaged most of the equipment at the OurSpace playground that opened four years ago.

Mayor Richard David said while some parts of the facility were spared, the playground is considered to be "a near-total loss."

David said city and state investigators have determined the fire was intentionally set.

The mayor called on anyone who has information about the arson case to contact Binghamton detectives.

The Recreation Park playground had been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The Recreation Park playground had been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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David also vowed that the playground will be rebuilt. He said he already has heard from people who have said they will contribute to the project.

The mayor said those interested in supporting the rebuilding effort may make a contribution to a fund that's been established by the Community Foundation for South Central New York.

The OurSpace playground just before it opened in June 2016. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The OurSpace playground just before it opened in June 2016. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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