Japanese ornamental garden target of botched arson bid

Authorities Thursday investigated an apparent arson attempt at the Kane County Forest Preserve's Japanese Garden south of Geneva.

Maintenance workers discovered Wednesday night vandals had poured diesel fuel in and around the garden's open-air tea house, then attempted to light it on fire, officials said.

"Fortunately, they weren't successful," preserve spokeswoman Laurie Metanchuk said. "Basically, they made a mess -- and that's good news for us."

The ornamental garden is one of several attractions at the 235-acre Fabyan Forest Preserve straddling the Fox River.

Linking the river banks with a footbridge, the public park is also home to the Fabyan Villa Museum and Windmill and is the most heavily used preserve in the area, according to the district's Web site.

On Thursday, authorities were trying to determine whether any koi fish were injured by diesel that seeped into multiple garden ponds, Metanchuk said. No other injuries were reported.

The incident is under investigation by forest preserve police and a county arson investigation task force.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (630) 232-5980, or, to remain anonymous, (800) 535-7867.