Cliff Buchan
News Editor

As a police investigation continues to pursue an arrest in the Sharewood Forest vandalism, the community playground is finding friends.

With repair efforts for the playground on ISD 831 grounds between Forest View and Forest Lake schools still in progress, offers of financial help are surfacing.

Greg Wood, supervisor of building and grounds for ISD 831, said the district has received overtures of help from local businesses and one Twin Cities group.

Wood said last week he has been contacted by the Twin Cities Chapter of Modern Woodmen of America pledging the organizationís help. Wood said the group will provide up to $2500 in matching funds to be used with locally raised funds that are earmarked for Sharewood Forest.

Since June the playground has been a repeated target of vandals with the damage well in excess of $5000. In November, a section of the playground was burned.

Wood said repairs to the fire-damaged area will cost $3400. That work is winding down this month, he said.

Wood said Modern Woodmen of America will work with school groups for such events as a breakfast or other events to help raise funds. The Forest Lake Elementary School PTO is exploring a winter fund-raiser to assist with Sharewood Forest needs such as additional security lighting.

Several businesses in the area have also stepped forward with offers to help the playground project, Wood said.

Meanwhile, Chief of Police Clark Quiring said his agency continues its investigation of the vandalism and is exploring possible leads that could translate to an arrest.

Quiring said the police welcome any information from the public regarding the vandalism and encourage the public to report any suspicious behavior in and around the playground by calling 651-464-5877 or 651-439-9381.

Top of Page

Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605