Acid also found at Texas playground*

'It's obvious someone had inappropriate intentions'

Neighbors say they're concerned after a 2-year-old girl is burned.

By Isadora Vail, Miguel Liscano
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Saturday, April 16, 2007

LEANDER — Officials continued to look for answers this weekend after
acid was found in a Leander park and a child was treated for minor burns.

Leander firefighters arrived at the Westwood community pool park about
7:45 p.m. Thursday and found muriatic acid, or hydrochloric acid,
scattered across the grass, a slide and benches.

A 2-year-old girl was treated at the scene for minor burns she suffered
after playing on a slide.

Officials said they found two empty gallon containers of the acid in the
park.

The chemical is used as a household cleaner or to maintain the pH
balance in swimming pools.

"We determined there was a much bigger problem with muriatic acid spread
out all over the park," Leander Fire Lt. Chris Heisler said. "Here in a
playground, having that out here, it's obvious someone had inappropriate
intentions."

Fire department officials referred all questions about the investigation
to police and would not identify the injured 2-year-old. Leander police
did not return repeated calls for comment Friday.

In front of the park is a community pool surrounded by a 6-foot iron gate.

The pool, which has been closed for the season, will open next month.

Jerry Pulido, who lives next door to the park, has three children, two
of whom spend most afternoons on the park's playground.

"This has always been a safe neighborhood, but now I feel like I have to
look over the park before the kids come and play," Pulido said Friday
outside of his home.

"I was out here yesterday sliding down the slide and swinging on the
swings," said his 8-year-old daughter, Deyra Pulido. "I'm probably going
to ask my dad if I can come play here now because I don't want to get
burned."

One resident said the park is popular with neighborhood children. "It's
scary that somebody's going to pour acid on a slide," Trish Siler said.
"Kids are always there."