By Sarah Tanbakuci
Buffalo, NY – The City has reopened the Houghton Park Shelter House that's been closed for a year and a half.
It shutdown in 2007 after an arson fire. Mayor Byron Brown said there have been three separate arrests for vandalism in Houghton Park and it has been difficult for the community.
Brown said the vandalism ends up costing the community more money. The Mayor called on the community to protect the park and Shelter House.
Lovejoy District Council member Richard Fontana says the actions of a few have hurt other children in the community.
The City spent $300,000 to repair the Shelter House. New plumbing, exterior lighting and the removal of asbestos were part of the improvements. Swimmers at Stachowski pool at Houghton can now enjoy refurbished locker rooms and bathroom facilities inside the Shelter House.
The City also opened all of its pools for the summer season Wednesday.