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Playground vandalized hours after face-lift

3 min read
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Just hours after two dozen people picked up litter, weeded, shoveled mulch around play equipment and installed four picnic benches at the 7th Ward playground in Washington, someone used permanent markers to write vulgar words on the tables. Another word was carved into the fresh wood with a knife or other sharp instrument.

The graffiti was discovered Sunday morning by Steve Maze, the man who started a trust fund to establish or refurbish a playground in memory of his murdered grandchildren.

Maze is the father of Ashley Guarino, who died in 2008 at the hands of her estranged husband, Orlando Guarino. Orlando Guarino also took the lives of their two toddlers.

“Steve’s kids aren’t here to play anymore, but we wanted other kids to enjoy it,” said Steve’s wife, Debbie, as she looked around the playground Monday.

Residents of Canton Township, Debbie Maze said they originally were looking to build a new playground, there but their efforts didn’t pan out.

When they visited the 7th Ward playground, they saw an area in need of attention and have devoted their efforts to fixing it up and adding amenities such as a gazebo, new benches and swings. They also have plans to host community events such as basketball or hockey tournaments there. So far they have raised nearly $10,000.

“It’s been phenomenal. Everybody’s been wonderful and are really excited about it,” Debbie said.

Their three-year project will be part of an ongoing recreational enhancement the city is planning that will include upgrades to the park pool. The Washington and East Washington Borough Recreation Plan has been submitted to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for grant approval.

Ashley Guarino and her children Dreux, 2, and Orlando Jr., 11 months, died of asphyxiation July 9, 2008. Orlando Guarino received three life sentences after pleading guilty in their deaths and is incarcerated in SCI-Fayette.

The volunteers at 7th Ward playground began their work Saturday. Residents of the neighborhood, some bringing their children, also pitched in to help. Area businesses have donated tables, benches and swings, and pizza was donated for lunch Saturday.

But the next day, when Maze discovered the vandalism, he called his wife who admitted to feeling “very discouraged.” Maze decided to purchase some paint and covered the writing. They plan to have light fixtures repaired and gates reinforced to discourage further damage.

As they were talking to a reporter, several parents with their children – some on bicycles, others wearing skates and one carrying a hockey stick – came by to use the playground. They stopped and thanked the couple for the work they did over the weekend and promised to help in the future.

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