Fire destroys playground in Milwaukee's north side

A fire destroyed a playground on Buffum Street near Center Street on Milwaukee's North Side.

It happened around 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th.

Neighbors in the area speculate kids were playing with fire in the playground before it went up in flames, but Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments say they are still investigating the cause.

\"I don't understand who would do that to the park... a park kids use to just enjoy themselves,\" said Carlos Salgado, who lives across the street from the park.

The flames were so high, they damaged two nearby homes, causing $12,000 in damages.

Keya Shumbert lives in the neighborhood and said the playground was about to be upgraded.

\"It's just sad... it was about a week away from some planning with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to upgrade the space,\" Shumbert said.

Many parents are concerned about what is going to happen with the lot, since all that's left of is a set of swings.

\"Hopefully they rebuild it again, because it gives something positive for kids to do in the neighborhood,\" Salgado said.

The Milwaukee Fire Department reports the damages to the playground equipment total about $60,000.