New playground in Clovis destroyed by ‘suspicious’ fire

CLOVIS, N.M. — Around a month after crews installed $85,000 worth of new playground equipment in Clovis, officials say a suspicious fire torched most of it.

Crews installed the equipment around a month to six weeks ago at the Greene Acres Park. Then, around 3:09 p.m. Wednesday, fire crews were called out there.

They responded and found the equipment engulfed in flames. According to the city, crews quickly put out the fire and began investigating.

“This looks like it was intentionally done,” stated Russell Hooper, the parks and recreation director for the City of Clovis.

Now, investigators are looking for video to verify suspects in the “suspicious” playground fire.

“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?” Clovis Fire Chief Mike Nolen asked. “The playground is very expensive to replace.”

Investigators are also assessing the damage before the city can make any repairs or changes to the area.

If you have any questions or information regarding the alleged vandalism, reach out to the Clovis Police Department at 575-769-1921.