Teen Charged In Fire That Destroyed Hampton Bays Playground: Cops

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A 16-year old girl was charged in a fire that destroyed a playground in Hampton Bays on Thursday, authorities said.

Southampton Town Police and the Hampton Bays Fire Department responded to a fire at the Foster Avenue Park, located at 43 Foster Avenue in Hampton Bays, police said. The playground was fully engulfed and fire was beginning to damage the surrounding trees, police said.

The value of the playground equipment damaged due to the fire was in excess of $200,000, police said.

The Hampton Bays Fire Department quickly put out the fire, which prevented surrounding homes from being damaged, police said. Southampton Police detectives were called to investigate how the fire started and the investigation led detectives to the teen responsible for starting the fire, police said.

A teen was arrested and charged with second degree criminal mischief, a D felony, police said. She was virtually arraigned by family court at Southampton Town Police headquarters and released to her parents, police said.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said that the girl, who is 16, pleaded not guilty and "claims it was accidental," he said.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Julie Lofstad, Schneiderman said, was instrumental in getting the playground built when she was a member of the Hampton Bays Mothers Association.

"I really don't have any words at this point, except there are a lot of broken hearts in Hampton Bays right now," Lofstad wrote on Facebook Friday. "But I expect we will come together, as we always do. Hugs to all of you who loved our little park. And to you ladies who made it happen, well — here we go again?"

The park, she said, was "built by moms and the community," and was a grass roots effort, funded by bake sales, a barn raising for the equipment, the Hampton Bays Fire Department and "so many more" who helped to build the playground. Businesses donated funds and the town contributed funding and help, she said.

"It was a true labor of love," Lofstad said.

Wrote one mom on Facebook: "We are heartbroken about it. We loved that little park and it held so many fond memories for our family. Thank you to all who worked to create it. We were always touched by the story behind it."

Schneiderman added: "People are heartbroken. But it will be rebuilt. No one was injured. There has been so much tragic loss lately. At least playgrounds can be brought back."