A Houston youth athletic program is reeling after a string of arson attacks spanning two years left their equipment storage facilities in ashes. The PACE program, which proudly dons the acronym of protecting all children equally, has been hit three times with deliberate fires at the Smokey Jasper Park, located in the northeast side of the city. The latest blaze, striking on Christmas Eve, has pushed the losses over $55,000, reported Houston Chronicle.
The program that aims to quickly get kids from the streets to college is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding once again. Coach Teddy Resby, PACE Program commissioner, expressed his dismay, telling Houston Chronicle, "I don't think people are aware of the damage they're doing to the community and to the neighborhood." Pastor Edward Buford joined in the sentiment and added in the interview, "They're burning down the park. That's all I keep hearing in my mind. How do you have the audacity to come in a community and burn down the park?"
The Houston Fire Department has taken on all three arson cases, however, they remain without leads. The investigation into the most recent fire is active, but the repeated destruction has prompted community outcry and a plea for stronger security measures. Michael Evans, deputy director of facilities management and development for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, stated that the city has restored electrical service at the park's tennis courts and basketball pavilion, and they are beginning to explore additional security measures.
Despite these setbacks, the PACE program persists, with Resby vouching to keep the program running "whether it's four kids or 400 kids." The program now has to consider possibly outsourcing their games to other parks, but the commitment to provide a safe environment for children to grow remains unshaken. To help, PACE is currently accepting donations, as was included in a statement obtained by FOX 26 Houston.
The contrast in treatment of parks across the city is not lost to those affected. Coach Fredrick Lastrape lamented this disparity, telling FOX 26 Houston, "They don't treat parks in West University like this. They don't treat parks in Rice Military like this." The community in northeast Houston not only seeks justice but also a due diligence of respect and protection that seems so effortlessly afforded elsewhere.
