A school community has been devastated by a deliberately lit fire which destroyed a playground built from years of fundraising efforts.
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Staff and community members of Miles Franklin Primary School in Evatt sprung into action when a fire was started about 5.45pm on Friday.
They were able to slow the fire until emergency services arrived on the scene.
An ACT Policing spokesman said police were still working to identify four male youths who were at the scene and allegedly attempted to start a fire at the nearby St. Monica's Primary School about 30 minutes earlier.
Monday was meant to be a joyous occasion for the primary school as it was able to welcome back years 3, 4 and 5 after a long period learning remotely.
Instead, they were greeted with the charred remains of the newest part of the school playground which had been built through the fundraising work of the Miles Franklin Primary School Parents and Citizens Association.
P&C president Natalie Smith said the fire had damaged the only outdoor shade structure in the school at a time when COVID-19 health guidelines encouraged students to learn outside where possible.
"It is extremely devastating to see all the hard work of the school community over the years going up in flames in a matter of minutes," Mrs Smith said.
"We want to provide the best opportunities for our children, and we hope to have the playground replaced as soon as possible.
"We would also like to thank the staff, community and emergency services for all their support."
The playground had cost about $75,000 to build.
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Mrs Smith said the P&C had been unable to hold many fundraising events over the past two years because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The association had been working to keep its businesses going during the pandemic and had to stand down staff during the lockdown.
In 2019 the P&C had started the process to install a security fence around the school, but after significant community opposition a fence was never built.
Liberal MLA Elizabeth Kikkert instigated a petition to urge the ACT government to not put a fence around the Evatt Oval.
"It is very disappointing to see the damage done to Miles Franklin Primary School's playground over the weekend," she said.
"As a result of the petition, the ACT government engaged in their own consultation, and after significant opposition from the community, they decided not to build the fence."
Ms Kikkert said the option to fence the school and leave the Evatt oval as public green space was put forward but the government decided not to build any fence.
Mrs Smith has started an online donation drive at gofundme.com/f/mile-franklin-primary-school-playground and current Miles Franklin Primary School families can donate through the school's building trust fund.
An ACT Policing spokesman said four male youths were described as being of Caucasian appearance.
The first youth was approximately 182-187cm (6'-6'2") tall, of solid build, and was wearing a bright yellow hooded jumper. He had one arm in a black sling and may have been wearing white shorts.
The second and third youths were a bit shorter, about 177-182cm (5'10-6') tall and wearing dark clothing.
The fourth youth was shorter again, approximately 172cm (5'8") and wearing a cap.
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference 6946721. Information can be provided anonymously.
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