Categories: Utah News

‘Can we have nice things?’: Provo Police ask public for help identifying arson suspect who damaged park

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Provo Police are asking the public for help after the second arson incident at a popular park in the city caused extensive damage.

According to a press release from Provo City, the Quail Orchard Park has been vandalized for the second time in the last two months. Both incidents involved arson, and the estimated damages of the most recent incident are $122,000.

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Around 3 a.m. on July 10, Provo Police and Provo Fire were dispatched to a fire at Quail Orchard Park. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire that caused “extensive damage” to the playground structure, slide, tarp overhang, and soft surfacing at the park.

Provo Parks and Recreation assessed the damages and found that replacement costs would total around $122,000, money that Provo says the city does not have in its budget.

“It is disappointing to see this unnecessary damage undermine the hard work, planning, and community investment that goes into our parks and facilities,” Doug Robins, Provo Parks and Recreation Director, is quoted in the release. “Damage to our community amenities makes it harder to deliver nice things for our citizens.”

According to Provo City, the park opened a little less than two years ago, in September 2023. The park cost roughly $5.5 million and covers seven acres. In the short time it’s been open, the park has faced multiple vandalism incidents, totaling almost $200,000.

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In summer 2024, fireworks caused damage to the shade sails and cost $8,000 to replace. On June 30, 2025, another incident of arson caused roughly $66,000 in damages to the playground’s stepping platforms.

“‘Can we have nice things?’ is a fair question,” Robins is quoted in the release. “The answer is yes, but only if we all work together to respect and care for the spaces and amenities that serve our community. When we do, the benefits are shared by everyone.”

Provo City is asking anyone who might have information on the arson incidents to contact police at 801-852-6210.

“Vandalism damages are unanticipated impacts to the budget and an unnecessary draw on limited resources,” Robins stated in the release.

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