Edhat Staff
The Foundation for Girsh Park is making an extra end-of-the-year plea to the community to help raise funds to repair damage caused by a bathroom fire this week.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to two bathrooms at Goleta’s Girsh Park that were believed to be intentionally set on fire this past Thursday.
At 2:39 p.m., firefighters responded to the park at 7050 Phelps Road to the bathrooms next to Marborg Industries Fieldhouse baseball fields.
There were two separate fires in the restrooms, reports Captain Scott Safechuck. Both were safely extinguished by 2:48 p.m. The incident is being investigated as arson.
At the same time there was an additional suspicious package investigation by the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, but it was determined to be medical equipment that was accidentally left behind.
In an email to the community, the nonprofit stated vandals ignited fires that ravaged trash cans and paper towel dispensers, leaving behind a trail of smoke and soot that has “marred the integrity” of the facility requiring restoration.
“Girsh Park isn’t just sports fields; it’s a thriving center where diverse backgrounds converge, where dreams take shape, and where the spirit of unity thrives. From Dos Pueblos Little League to AYSO Region 122 and the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, countless young athletes find their passion and purpose within these fields,” the Foundation for Girsh Park states.
Donations can be made to the Friends of Girsh Park fund or supporters can Buy a Brick.
