Damaged Wantagh Playground Expected to Be Reopened By Late October

A playground at that last month is expected to be reopened by late October. 

Wantagh Superintendent Philip D'Angelo explained during Thursday night's school board meeting that the district has received a check for $11,746.35 from their insurance company for damages caused by the fire and that they are now in position to purchase the necessary equipment to reopen the playground. The playground blaze occurred in the late morning hours of July 23 in what district officials have said appears to have been caused by the playing of fireworks.

"We're hoping to get things orchestrated ASAP," said D'Angelo during Thursday night's board of education meeting held in the Auditorium. "We're moving as quickly as we can."

The damaged playground is located behind Wantagh Elementary School on the eastern edge of the property. Another playground located to the southern side of the building was not affected and will be open when students return to classes on Sept. 4. 

D'Angelo said Nassau County Police are still investigating to determine who was responsible for causing the July 23 playground fire. He said the district has provided video surveillance footage for the police to review and that they are following up with five potential suspects.