Firefighters attack a blaze at the main building Thursday at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire

Firefighters attack a blaze at the main building Thursday at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire

Arson fire damages main building at Kent’s Lake Meridian Park

Served as office, storage area for city lifeguards

Arson is the cause of a fire that heavily damaged the main building early Thursday morning at Kent’s Lake Meridian Park.

Firefighters responded at about 1 a.m. to a report of smoke at the park, 14800 SE 272nd St., according to a Puget Sound Fire media release. A Puget Sound Fire investigator has determined that the fire was intentionally set and is considered arson, according the agency’s Facebook page.

When firefighters arrived, they found the single-story building with smoke coming from the eaves. Most of the fire was in the attic space and was spreading into the building’s individual rooms. Responders were forced to break into the offices to fight the fire.

No one was found in or near the building and there were no reported injuries.

The building serves as the office for the city of Kent’s lifeguards for the lake and much of their equipment. City officials have removed lifeguards from the park until futher notice.

The city just recently spent about $407,000 to remodel and upgrade the restrooms in the main building. The city used state grant money to pay for the project, funds leftover from the installation last year of a new swimming and fishing dock.

The restroom needed updating to improve function and aesthetics and to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, according to city documents. Crews installed new doors and restroom fixtures, added new bathroom stalls, new outdoor showers and converted the old concession stand to a new family restroom.

Lake Meridian Park is a popular location for fishing, boating and swimming. The park hosts many public events including the Fourth of July Splash and summertime concerts.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

Firefighters attack a blaze at the main building Thursday at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire

Firefighters attack a blaze at the main building Thursday at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire

More in News

Kent police investigate fatal two-vehicle collision

The collision killed a woman and left a 45-year-old Tacoma driver, suspected of intoxication at the time of the crash, hospitalized.

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Courtesy of Democratic Caucus
Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.

Debra Entenman and Kyle Lyebyedyev. File photos
Entenman and Stearns lead in 47th District | Election 2024

The district includes Kent, Covington and Auburn.

File photo
Kent School District levy is failing at the polls | Election 2024

Early election results show voters rejecting the proposed Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans