ROSLINDALE, MA (WHDH) — Students at the Sumner Elementary School in Roslindale thanked first responders Tuesday for helping rebuild a playground that was burned to the ground.
The fire happened in May, leaving the students without a place to play.
Members of the public and several local businesses stepped up to help them get a new one.
“I felt sad about the fire because I made so many memories on that playground and now they are all burnt up,” said student Kayla Jones.
The students took a break from classes to say a big thank you to the Boston police and fire departments.
First responders came to their school to put out an alleged arson fire on May 23.
“I think it’s scary, fire is scary for kids, they always hear, ‘Don’t play with matches,'” said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. “Who’s not afraid of fire? If anything maybe this will teach them the dangers of even going near fire.”
Police charged a 23-year-old man and two boys, age 14 and 16, with setting fire to the playground.
A fundraising effort is now underway to rebuild the playground.
Parents said they are concerned about their students.
“[My son] went home and told me about it and he was a little upset, but it’s looking good so they are going to have a better playground and I’m happy,” mother Claudia Lopes said.
The playground is set to be opened in the fall.
Parents hope security will also be heightened.
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