Rocky View Schools comments on playground damaged by arson

The Rocky View Schools division informed parents that there is no set timeline for the playground to re-open at École Edwards Elementary School.

"As the safety of our students is our top priority, temporary fencing has been put up around the playground. We will keep students off of the playground until we are told it is safe to reopen it. We will have other activities for the students at recess and lunch so they can continue to enjoy the beautiful weather!" stated an update that was sent to parents and guardians.

RVS added that they are fully cooperating with their investigation and that any updates on the progress of this investigation will come from the RCMP. 

The playground was closed down on Tuesday after police and fire crews responded to what they believe is a case of arson.

Police believe that an unknown person(s) had ignited the rubber surface beneath the school’s playground equipment early on Tuesday morning. The resulting fire damaged the playground equipment. There is no information on the cost of damages incurred. 

RVS stated that because this is an ongoing police investigation they are unable to provide any further details regarding the incident.

Airdrie RCMP is asking that anyone in the area with residential video surveillance or dash cam footage contact them at 403-945-7267. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

In August 2019 a similar incident occurred at the A. E. Bowers Elementary School playground. Police would later subsequently charge a teenager for the offences.

Cpl. James McConnell of the Airdrie RCMP Community Policing unit says it's much too early in the investigation to make a determination about whether the incident is related to other arsons in the city. 

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