Squirrel caused $300G in damages at Indiana community center, officials say

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Officials say a wayward squirrel caused about $300,000 in damage to a Fort Wayne community center set to open in June.

Parks Department officials say the squirrel got into the electrical equipment of the building in McMillen Park last week, causing a power surge that damaged the heating and air conditioning systems and some parts of the boiler system. The squirrel didn't survive.

The Journal Gazette reports parks director Al Moll said the repairs will be covered by insurance, minus the department's $50,000 deductible. Crews are working to make repairs so the center can open as planned on June 7.

A nearly $2 million project is transforming the former McMillen Ice Arena into a community center with basketball courts, an indoor track and other activities.