INDIANAPOLIS — An arson investigation is underway at Broad Ripple Park after a fire destroyed a building that housed summer camp supplies.
According to Indy Parks, all items intended for summer camp were lost in the blaze.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded Monday night to a report of a burglary in progress at 1610 Broad Ripple Avenue, where the suspects reportedly broke windows before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after, IMPD received another call about a building fire in the same area, with the Indianapolis Fire Department also responding.
Indy Parks confirmed that the same suspects are believed to have set the building on fire. The damage is estimated to be at least $400,000, according to a police report.
Despite the destruction, summer camp at Broad Ripple Park is still scheduled to begin in two weeks. To help replace the lost supplies, including crayons, coloring books and learning materials, the park is accepting donations from the community.
"We're trying to bring resources from other parks, but anyone, again, that is able to and would be interested in donating those funds will help us get some new equipment for kids," said Indy Parks spokesperson Alex Cortwright.
For the roughly 85 campers that will visit Broad Ripple Park each week, Cortwright promises Indy Parks will do everything in its power to give the kids the fun summer they deserve.
"We're gonna make their camp experience the best that we can possibly make it. Broad Ripple's a beautiful park. We have lots of great opportunities, the new family center is beautiful, offers a lot of great things," he said.
The rest of the park remains open while the arson investigation continues.
Scholarships for the camp are still available
