A fire, now ruled as arson, destroyed a historic schoolhouse at Boettler Park in Green early Tuesday morning.

City officials say firefighters were called out to the restored 1885 Licthenwalter Schoolhouse around 4 a.m. to battle the blaze. It's a total loss, according to officials. City officials say the State Fire Marshall ruled the fire as arson. Mayor Gerard Neugebauer said more property was found damaged at the park and Ariss Park on Wise Road overnight.

Neugebauer didn't go into detail on the vandalism incidents, but he did note that someone broke into the bathrooms through a window and "did some destructive activity."

The schoolhouse, originally built in Green Township, was located on Mt. Pleasant Road on land owned by Robert Boettler. Boettler moved the schoolhouse to a piece of land, which later became Boettler Park.

Neugebauer said it's a loss for the community and the students who have used the classroom to learn about the history of the schoolhouse. The building is used by the City of Green Division of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission and the Green Local School District.

"Historically, it's probably the most important structure that we have and have preserved."

Boettler Park closed today due to the blaze and cleanup. It's scheduled to reopen at 8 AM on Wednesday.

A reward is being offered by the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for any tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the Summit County Sheriff's Department at 330-643-2181 or Green Fire investigations at 330-896-1811.

(Photo courtesy of the city of Green)

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(City of Green) Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road, in Green will be closed today due to a fire at the Lichtenwalter Schoolhouse, a restored 1885 historic schoolhouse at the park. At 4:51 a.m., Green Fire Department responded with mutual aid from Jackson and Greentown Fire Department. The structure is a total loss. The cause is under investigation.

As more details and info becomes available, it will be released to the media.

MORE on the historic structure from the Green Historical Society