“The more time that elapses, the less likely we are to be able to solve the case,” said Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer for the Big Spring Police Department. “That's true of all criminal investigations. However, we're still getting a few tips here and there through Crimestoppers, and we'll continue to follow up on each and every one of them until this is case is solved.”

The fire — which ripped through the southwest portion of the children's playground — caused between $25,000 and $50,000 in damages, according to city officials. And while public outrage concerning the attack has been rampant, Everett said it's simply a matter of motivating anyone with information on the crime to step forward.

“Someone out there knows what happened and who did this,” said Everett sternly. “Now it's a simple matter of whether or not they are willing to step forward.”

According to Todd Darden, assistant city manager for Big Spring, if conscience doesn't motivate someone to turn in the arsonists, cold, hard cash just might do the trick.

“There's the Crimestoppers reward of up to $1,000 being offered,” said Darden. “And, on top of that, the city of Big Spring and Howard County have both put up rewards of $5,000. So that's $11,000 someone can put in their pocket for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. I would think that's quite a bit of motivation.”

The Dec. 9 fire wasn't the first reports of vandalism to come out of the park in December, as vandals — possibly the same vandals who set fire to Kids Zone — destroyed the totem pole that has been a part of the park since the 1950s.

Darden said efforts to assess the damage caused by the fire are under way, with repairs to the facility on the horizon.

“We have to get with the New York company that manufactured the play equipment that was destroyed and figure out what it's going to cost to fix,” said Darden. “We also have to work with the insurance company to see what is covered. We have a $25,000 deductible, so no matter where the estimates come out, we know we're out at least that much.

“Once we have all of that done, we plan to hold a meeting with the Parks Board to decide how to proceed with the repairs. We've received several calls from volunteers willing to help, which is very encouraging. Now we just have to get a plan in place.”

Anyone with information regarding the fire or totem pole — or any other acts of vandalism — is asked to call Big Spring Area Crimestoppers at 264-TIPS (8477). No caller ID is ever used and informants can remain anonymous.

Information can also be left with the Fire Marshal's Office at 264-2305, or the Big Spring Police Department at 264-2550.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it