The late-night blaze prompts partial closure as officials assess damage and investigate the cause.
A fire heavily damaged a combined restroom and pavilion structure at a city park in the early morning hours of Dec. 28, leaving part of the park closed while officials assess the damage and investigate the cause, Plant City Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson said.
Fire crews were called to Marie B. Ellis Park, located at 602 E. Laura St., around 3:05 a.m. after reports of a structure fire. Flames fully engulfed the roughly 30-by-50-foot pavilion that also housed public restrooms, with fire extending through the roof. No injuries were reported.
The pavilion and restroom facilities are part of a single structure, and the entire building was compromised by the fire, Parks and Recreation officials said. According to Plant City Fire Rescue staff, damage is estimated in the several-thousand-dollar range, though a final assessment is still being conducted by insurance investigators.
The playground, swing set, basketball court and barbecue areas at the park remain open, but the area around the burned structure has been cordoned off as a safety precaution.
The fire’s origin remains under investigation and officials have not said whether it appears to be accidental or intentional. The Florida State Arson Inspector is responsible for the investigation.
The park was named after Ellis, a mother of three sons in the military who dedicated her life to honoring veterans, pouring her heart and soul into the community she cherished. She was instrumental in spearheading the park project, which was posthumously named Marie B. Ellis Park after her death in 1963.
Residents who regularly use the park said the loss of the pavilion and restrooms will be felt throughout the neighborhood.
“This park means a lot to the community and is the closest park to my home,” said Tavaris Sherman, a Plant City resident who has used the park for more than 15 years. He frequents the park with kids, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. “It’s nice to have a park within walking distance.”
He said the park helps keep kids out of trouble and gives them somewhere safe to play. “Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a swing or playground in their backyard,” he said.
The bathrooms were convenient, especially when he brought younger family members. Now he’ll have to walk them back to the house if someone needs to use the restroom and then come back.
Sherman said he hopes the city rebuilds the structure and adds security measures. “Maybe keep a gate around it to keep it secured,” he said.
Seventeen-year-old Kianna Crews said she learned about the fire through social media and was disappointed by the damage. “I’ve been coming to this park my whole life,” she said. “The pavilion gave us shade, and now we don’t have that or bathrooms to use when we just want to hang out.”
City officials continue to assess the damage. The site is secured and upon approval to remove the remnants of the structure, it will occur quickly. Upon completion of the investigation and value assessment, parks and recreation staff will prepare a plan to present to the City Commission for replacement if deemed appropriate. The park remains open to the public. If residents would like to offer input about the park, email recinfo@plantcitygov.com.
