Edmonton police release images of St. Pius X playground arson suspects
The images were released Sunday.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025 at approximately 8 a.m., EPS and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) responded to a fire in the area of 122 Avenue and 128 Street.
The fire that destroyed the Sherbrooke playground known as 'Purple Park' was determined to be arson.
The equipment, which was specially built to be accessible for children with mobility challenges, was severely damaged and will remain closed until further notice.
Sherbrooke Community League members who spent nearly a decade raising funds to build the playground were left devastated as the entire first phase of the playground had been destroyed. 'What was meant to be a joyful summer—the first season both phases of the park would be open—turned into a time of shock and grief,' reads a statement on the donation page.
'Affectionately known as 'Purple Park' by the kids, this space was a vibrant hub where children from the school and the wider community came to play, connect, and grow. The park was made possible through nearly 10 years of tireless volunteer fundraising by the St. Pius X Parents Association.'
The Sherbrooke Community League is partnering with the St. Pius X Parents Association.
'Together, we can bring back the laughter, joy, and memories that the St. Pius X Playground was built to create. Let's rebuild hope. Let's rebuild Purple Park,' the website said.
As of Sunday, more than $10,000 had been raised toward a $50,000 goal, including a $5,000 donation from the neighbouring Prince Charles Community League.
'The community is coming together at the park and throughout the neighbourhood, stopping and talking with one another about the fire and next steps,' Sherbrooke Community League president Catherine Jevic told Postmedia in July.
Jevic said the playground has been especially important for local families due to its accessible design and daily use.
'Accessible recreation spaces are so difficult to find, so this park has been a game changer for many families in the neighbourhood, including the rocking table and other accommodations,' she said. ''Purple Park' was a children's landmark. The children are heartbroken, but they know how much love was poured into the space and that the community will come together and rebuild the playground as soon as we can.'
According to the League's Facebook page, insurance is expected to help but additional costs were expected for things that aren't covered.
In July, EPS acting inspector Eric Stewart told media investigators were thankful that the fire didn't spread to the elementary school.
'It went up pretty fast,' said Stewart.
Fire crews arrived on scene at 8:06 a.m. and were able to extinguish the fire in 17 minutes.
'Not in my 22 years of policing have I ever seen any case like this. It's not a common occurrence we see here in Edmonton,' he said.
Stewart confirmed there was more than one suspect, and that multiple people were in the area of the playground prior to, during and after the fire was set.
'To the individuals who were at the scene at the time of this event. You either witnessed it, or have knowledge of it, or were involved in this. We ask that you come forward and contact police as soon as you can,' said Stewart.
'This was a very careless and reckless act by the individuals involved in this event.
'We're very fortunate that this school didn't catch fire. It was very close proximity to this playground. It's a very unfortunate set of circumstances that now the kids that attend this school, and all the community members that put effort into building this playground, don't have a playground in the next school year.'
Anyone who can identify any of these people is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
jcarmichael@postmedia.com
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'Careless and reckless act': Police deem Edmonton playground fire as arson
Police seek assistance in suspicious fire at Edmonton elementary school playground
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