Columbia’s Owens Field Park Hit by Fire Damage

News Summary

On New Year’s Day, Owens Field Park in southeast Columbia suffered significant fire damage, likely caused by illegal fireworks. Fire broke out shortly after midnight, affecting one-third of the newly renovated athletic field. Despite the damage primarily being surface-level, city officials are working to assess repair costs. The park, a beloved community space, had just undergone a $1.8 million renovation, making this incident especially disappointing. Plans are underway to evaluate the full extent of the damage and restore this cherished outdoor area as quickly as possible.

Columbia’s Owens Field Park Suffers Fire Damage: Illegal Fireworks Suspected

On the vibrant New Year’s holiday, fire broke out at Owens Field Park in southeast Columbia, raising concerns among local residents and park enthusiasts. The fire reportedly ignited around 1 a.m. on January 1, shortly after the midnight celebrations, with initial investigations pointing towards illegal fireworks as the likely culprit.

The Incident

City spokesperson Justin Stevens shared that a significant portion of the park’s newly renovated athletic field sustained damage, with approximately one-third of this expansive area burned. Fire officials rushed to the scene, and while they were able to extinguish the flames promptly, the aftermath revealed a concerning sight. Charred black patches now mar the once-lush landscape, a stark reminder of the holiday’s excitement turning into an unexpected disaster.

Fireworks: A Festive No-No

It’s important to note that the use of fireworks in public parks like Owens Field is strictly prohibited. This particular New Year’s event was no exception, as city officials had not organized any formal fireworks display at the park, making it clear that the flames likely resulted from private festivities. Unfortunately, the absence of surveillance cameras at the park has left the exact cause in a bit of a gray area. Still, given the timing and nature of the incident, the speculation surrounding fireworks appears to hold water.

Damage Report

The good news is that the fire damage, while notable, is not expected to be catastrophic. Early assessments indicate that the harm is largely surface-level, particularly affecting the freshly installed Bermuda grass on the athletic field. This type of damage may not demand substantial repairs, providing some relief to city officials and the community alike. However, as of this past weekend, a large section of the field remained visibly scorched, a sight that sheds light on the unfortunate event.

Next Steps for Repair

City officials have plans to huddle with landscapers on Monday to evaluate the full scope of the damage and strategize on repair costs. While an estimate for these costs has not been disclosed yet, the community remains hopeful that the lovely park will be restored sooner rather than later, especially after undergoing a significant $1.8 million renovation just a few months earlier in September 2024. This extensive renovation included major upgrades, like removing the old grass and installing new Bermuda sod, a new irrigation system, and enhancements to the field drainage.

A Community Treasure

Owens Field Park has long been a cherished space for Columbia’s residents, providing a perfect location for sports, family gatherings, and various outdoor activities. The timing of the fire, so soon after the extensive renovations, adds a layer of disappointment to a community that has been eagerly enjoying its revitalized outdoor space.

A Hopeful Outlook

As the dust settles on this unsettling beginning to the New Year, the community can stay positive. Plans are underway to assess the damage, and with the quick response of the fire officials, there’s optimism that Owens Field Park can rebound from this setback. As Columbia looks toward the future, it’s a reminder to celebrate responsibly and continue to cherish the beautiful spaces we’ve worked hard to maintain.