Cumberland District RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating suspects who lit a fire that destroyed playground equipment in Springhill Friday evening.

“When I looked out the window, it just looked like a great big ball of fire. I couldn’t even believe it,” says playground organizer Bev Sharpe. “I wanted to cry because a lot of work was put into that, a lot of people helped.”

Just before midnight, RCMP and Springhill Fire Department responded to multiple 911 calls of playground equipment on fire at a public park on Mechanic St.

“This playground was built by the community, for the community,” said Cst. Travis Dow of the Cumberland District RCMP. “Such actions have an impact on the children who use it and the adults who worked hard to build it.”

While RCMP search for the person, or people, responsible for the vandalism, members of the community are frustrated and upset with the loss of the playground equipment.

“We just know what this playground means to this neighbourhood, and that’s all, one word, it’s just heartbreaking,” says County Councillor Maryanne Jackson.

Firefighters were on the scene Saturday night for more than half-an-hour. A big concern was chemicals from the plastic slides and rubber floor.

“It was all flames and really black smoke from the foam on the ground, like they mat they’ve got there,” says Fire Department Captain Isaac Smith. “All the slides and stuff were pretty well melted. There’s a little bit left, but nothing that’s salvageable.”

RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance to help find the suspect that lit the fire and destroyed the equipment.

“If gas, for example, was the accelerant used, then someone’s going to come home not only smelling of smoke, but gas as well,” says NS RCMP Cpl. Dal Hutchinson. “So if you have encountered someone in your home that has those indicators there, have a conversation with them, but we’d also like to talk with them as well.”

Sharpe says she is worried about the safety of neighbourhood children.

“Because the kids were playing on the road, and I was scared of them getting hurt. I mean, you don’t see them today, but before the week is out, school’s done. That’s where they’ll be because they can’t go to the playground.

Sharpe says the playground structure itself will have to be taken down, and it’s not clear if or when a replacement will be put back up.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumberland District RCMP, or Crime Stoppers.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.