Grand Opening Of Million-Dollar McKinley Park Rebuild A Culmination Of Volunteer Effort

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A little more than a year after an arsonist burned the McKinley Park play structure to the ground, it will reopen on Wednesday.

The grand opening is the culmination of good old-fashioned teamwork where the community came together to rebuild the popular playground.

More than 2,000 volunteers pitched in, and built an even better place to play than before.

"It's absolute joy," said Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn.

Most of the money for the million-dollar playground came from donations. Many felt compelled to give after an arsonist took away the very place kids felt safe to play.

"The emotion at first was tremendous sadness, and then that gave way to anger," said Cohn.

But it didn't dampen the spirits of those committed to keeping this park family-friendly.

Now this children's wonderland is ready for youngsters to make new memories.

"To see the kids that will be out here tomorrow, they've had a hard time looking through the fence, not being able to get on it. They are going to love it tomorrow."

Investigators still haven't arrested anyone in connection to the fire. There will be a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. on Friday. Kids will be able to run around starting around 5:15.