The pavilion that sits in the middle of Budd Park was intentionally set on fire during Memorial Day weekend.
It was a disappointing find for mother Viridiana Luna.
“It makes me feel sad,” Luna said. “You can’t feel safe anymore.”
The mother of three lives across from Budd Park and has watched crime take over.
Neighborhood Association Vice President Manny Abarca has worked hard to fill the park with positive activities and deter crime. He’s disappointed, too.
“That's a significant resource for this park when we're scrambling for the little money we can get,” he said. “That's a big thing to lose."
In 2015, the city purchased more lighting and cameras for Budd Park after gun violence hit a new high. Crime has dropped since the improvements were made, but it is still a concern.
“You know this was a stupid act. Some selfish individuals and that ruins it for all the community here," Abarca said.
Police are reviewing surveillance video in hopes of finding who is responsible for the arson.
The loss is estimated at $65,000.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
