The playground structure outside the Midtown Community Hall was reduced to ash. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire

P.A. parks manager confirms plans to replace burned playground structure

Jul 7, 2025 | 3:29 PM

Just days after a popular playground structure in Prince Albert’s midtown area was reduced to ash, the City’s Manager of Parks and Open Spaces is confirming plans to replace it.

Tim Yeaman, who patrolled the site again on Monday, said the structure is insured and there is a small window of opportunity.

“It could happen this fall but more than likely to rebuild that play structure, it possibly could take place sometime in the spring or early summer of 2026,” he said.

Saturday’s fire in the 500 block of ninth St. E. occurred around 7 a.m. and while on routine patrols, police officers observed a black cloud of smoke that appeared to be coming from the midtown area. Upon arrival, they observed members of the Prince Albert Fire Department (PAFD) scene battling a fire at the playground.

The fire was put out shortly after, but the pirate-themed play structure that included a climbing wall and a slide, was destroyed. Yeaman confirmed he received a phone call soon after.

Eyeing a Three-Peat

Beavers outlast Lakers in Game 3; Advance to NSRBL Finals

6h ago

recovery

Lac La Ronge cabin owners granted extension to build back period following wildfire

7h ago

Professional Bull Riding

Jared Parsonage wins 10th Annual McDonald's Colby Cave Memorial PBR Classic

8h ago

“I thought it was a hoax,” he said.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Upon arriving on site, Yeaman described a feeling of immense disappointment, knowing the number of families who visit the site as well as the amount of work that had gone into building the $600,000 project that opened last August. All evidence points to the fire being deliberately set.

“So to see such a careless act and how it impacts not just the community itself but people within Prince Albert, it’s been a devastating experience,” Yeaman said.

Going forward, Yeaman noted the spray park and swing structures area will remain open. The playground structure area remains fenced off and Yeaman confirmed talks with SGI and a report is expected by the middle or end of the week. Yeaman added they will also begin talks with the project’s vendor.

“I’m hoping this was a one off and we are not gonna see this happen again,” Yeaman said.

At this stage there’s been no arrests and police are continuing to investigate. They’ve also asked homeowners and business owners in the surrounding area with video surveillance to check their cameras.

Amidst the frustration and disappointment shared on social media, have been comments related to why cameras were not installed.

Yeaman confirmed cameras have normally been set up at their playgrounds, but added they were not in this case due to privacy concerns. However going forward, he said it will be discussed with city council and the city manager. Yeaman also noted some comments being made with respect to laying blame and even vigilante justice.

“I would just caution people you shouldn’t jump to assumptions,” he said. “People are certainly entitled to how they feel but let’s do the right thing, make this about the kids and the community and restore the level of play that I think the community is entitled to.”

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social