ROCKBRIDGE - The Rockbridge area just outside Greenfield is devastated after a fire destroyed an entire playground this past Sunday.
Greene County State's Attorney Caleb Bristoe said juvenile petitions have been filed against the boys, alleging one count of arson - for fire destruction of the park, and a second count - criminal damage to state property over $10,000 and less than $100,000. He said the boys were staying with a relative for a weekend when the fire occurred.
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Rockridge City Park is about four miles south of Greenfield on Illinois Route 267. Firefighters and the Greene County Sheriff's Office were called to the scene at 2 p.m. Sunday. When they arrived, the park was engulfed in flames. The Greene County Sheriff's Office immediately investigated the situation and gathered evidence.
The boys were ages 11 and 12. The 12-year-old is from Eldred, and the 11-year-old from Alton.
Briscoe said the playground and its equipment were a "total loss."
Briscoe lives near Rockbridge park and said his kids love the park.
"Many local kids use it," he said. "It was new equipment; it is awful for this to happen right at the start of the summer."
The boys are now with guardians and will appear in court in the near future, Briscoe said.
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