SAM SCANNELL
DAMAGE: Pukekura Park after the overnight arson.
ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ
Pukekura Park curator Chris Connolly at the new playground just a day before opening. It was vandalised overnight.
Vandals have torched a new half million dollar playground in New Plymouth, which was set to be officially opened today.
Overnight, they set fire to the plastic covering of the main section, featuring a "New Zealand Wave" climbing attraction.
The fire, about 2am, melted the rope and caused other damage to the main section of the Pukekura's Park playground but did not completely destroy it.
An angry New Plymouth District Council parks manager Mark Bruhn contacted the Taranaki Daily News and asked for anyone who knew anything to contact the police and said there was likely to be a substantial repair bill.
The playground's equipment supplier was in town for the official opening but is instead now assessing the damage, Bruhn said.
"He was meant to be here for a happy day.
"To say I'm visibly angry right now would be an understatement.
"I've spoken to some people in the park and they are just devastated.
"The number of parents and kids who have been going through and getting excited about it, well they'll have to wait a bit longer now," he said.
The playground's revamp has been underway since June and has cost a total of $560,000.
by Quaid & Lucas
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