The 1885 Lichtenwalter Schoolhouse in Boettler Park was destroyed by flames early Tuesday morning.
The City of Green's city administration released a statement and photo via Facebook, also stating that the park was closed on Tuesday.
According to the City of Green, at 4:51 a.m. the fire department responded to a call of a structural fire at Boettler Park, located at 5300 Massillon Rd. The schoolhouse was fully engulfed when they arrived.
The school was the fourth one room schoolhouse built in Green Township and served children living in both Green and Jackson Township in Stark County, according to the Green Historical Society.
It was relocated from Mt. Pleasant Road by Robert Boettler to his land, eventually becoming Boettler Park.
The schoolhouse was used by the City of Green Division of Parks and Recreation for educational purposes with Green Local Schools.
The State Fire Marshal ruled the fire as an arson. The city reported a breaking and entering at a restroom and vandalism at the Heritage Hill Playground. There was also vandalism and breaking and entering at a concession facility at Ariss Park, located at 2520 Wise Rd.
“We are saddened by this senseless act of vandalism to a piece of our City’s history,” said Mayor Gerard Neugebauer.
The Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information should contact the Summit County Sheriff's Department at 330-643-2181 or Green Fire investigations at 330-896-1811.
Boettler Park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday at 8 a.m.
