The main playground at Greenbriar Local Park in Potomac was destroyed by a fire Tuesday, according to Montgomery Parks officials.
The fire, which caused approximately $1 million worth of “extensive” damage, is being investigated as an arson, according to park officials.
“We put a lot of effort into creating a safe and enjoyable space for the community, and it’s so sad to see it destroyed,” Montgomery Parks Director Miti Figueredo said in a press release. “Now, instead of moving forward with other projects, we have to prioritize replacing what was lost. It’s a setback for the whole community.”
The playground at 12525 Glen Road was built in 2016 as part of park renovations and will be closed until further notice. The smaller “tot” playground, which is for children ages 2 to 5, was not affected by the fire and remains open.
The park was selected as a Best of Bethesda winner in 2018. The playground is called the Piedmont Play Fort and features curly slides. The soft rubber ground cover is painted blue to resemble water and features a beige sand dune, driftwood bench and crab pot steps.
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division and Montgomery Parks are asking for anyone with information about the fire to contact Montgomery County Fire Department, Fire and Explosives Investigations Office at 240-777-2269 or larry.seipp@montgomerycountymd.gov.