STANWOOD — With support from local businesses, the Lake Goodwin Community Club and Snohomish County Parks and Recreation will kick off efforts to rebuild the Lake Goodwin Community Park playground destroyed by arson last month.
Snohomish County Parks and the Lake Goodwin Community Club will co-host a barbecue and fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 22 at Lake Goodwin Park, located at 4620 Lakewood Rd. in Stanwood. The event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted in support of replacing damaged playground equipment, including the $35,000 centerpiece — a pirate ship enjoyed by children and parents alike.
“Since this criminal act in July, residents throughout Snohomish County have asked how they can help,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “They’ve wanted to make it clear they will not stand for this type of malicious act.”
On July 26, the Marysville Fire District responded to a fire call at Lake Goodwin Park, only to find the playground equipment ablaze. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire as arson and continues to respond to leads. Damage to the playground equipment has been estimated to be as much as $100,000.
County Parks began removing damaged playground equipment early in the week of Aug. 9, and thanks in part to a donation from Kompan, the company that manufactured the playground equipment destroyed in the fire, four smaller pieces will be installed temporarily until enough money can be raised to purchase larger pieces at Lake Goodwin.
“We can’t thank Kompan enough for their support in our efforts to quickly get the playground reopened to the children, parents and grandparents,” said County Parks Director Tom Teigen. “But what we want to do is rebuild this playground to the size it was, and with community support, we can get there.”
Several businesses and corporations are working together to support the Aug. 22 benefit. Silvana Meats is donating hot dogs and hamburgers, Stanwood’s Haggen Foods is donating buns and Stanwood’s QFC is donating plates, utensils, napkins and condiments. Residents are welcome to come at any point during the event.
In addition, other organizations have and will be hosting fundraisers to rebuild the playground. A Tupperware fundraiser will take place at Lake Goodwin Park earlier that same weekend, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4726 Lakewood Rd. Thrasher’s Corner Pub and Grill also holds a golf tournament each year to raise funds for children’s opportunities, and this year, the group is dedicating $1,400 of the $2,800 they raised to the playground effort.
Residents also can donate through Snohomish County Parks and Recreation’s dedicated sponsorship fund by mail at Snohomish County Parks, 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish, WA, 98296. Specify “Lake Goodwin Community Park Playground.”
