{Courtesy SFDF Aerial Imagery}
Margate is recovering from a fire in the parking lot at Calypso Cove waterpark on June 9.
The blaze broke out in the parking lot of the water park and aquatic facility at 6200 Royal Palm Boulevard. According to Vito Labriola, division chief of EMS for the Margate Fire Department, there was suspicion of arson at first. However, they checked video surveillance and could find no evidence that the fire was deliberately set.
One theory is that the fire essentially started itself. The plastic equipment was stored under tarps in very intense heat, which could have generated a fire.
According to Labriola, the fire department is still investigating the fire.
During the June 19 meeting, city manager Cale Curtis said the city’s insurance would pay for the damage, mainly the new slide tubes that were destroyed by the fire and were to be installed in the children’s water park area.
The older equipment had been dismantled and taken away. It is not known when the replacement parts will be available.
Commissioner Antonio Arsenio said he believes the fire was not started intentionally. “I am disappointed because we all wanted to see it open. I want this park to open as soon as possible. We are looking to open next summer. The pool is still open.”
Curtis said all the parts to be installed were custom-built and that another order would have to be placed. He continued that it was not a complete loss, and the splash features were inside the park.
According to him, the lap pool is still in use, and swimming lessons and summer camp are taking place.
Mayor Tommy Ruzzano asked why the city’s insurance would have to be used.
Parks and Recreation director Michael Jones said Margate purchased and paid for the material, saving the city money. The equipment was stored in the Calypso Cove parking lot and is awaiting installation. He said the insurance also covered the cleaning and restoration of the parking lot, which still needs to be restored. He added that Parks and Recreation is working on a plan to protect the Calypso Cove property and minimize costs.
The commission also agreed to a resolution to approve an increased staffing level for parks and recreation by hiring one full-time recreation coordinator and three full-time recreation attendants.
Got News in Margate? Send it to Margate Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, and Tamarac Talk.