A second round of soil tests at Kids Kove playground in Traverse City reveals arsenic levels are "well within'" residential limits of 7.9 parts per million. However, the play area remains closed.

"We are pleased that these results, from samples taken deeper in the soil this time, are well within residential limits of arsenic established by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)," says Kristine Erickson, director of Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation.

The play area has been closed since September 24, after the first round of soil samples indicated elevated arsenic levels. To learn the depth and extent of the contamination, Erickson arranged for additional samples.

According to the data, the wood chips covering Kids Kove have, over time, absorbed any arsenic produced from the treated lumber used to construct the 18-year-old structure.

"Now, our next steps will be to research costs to remove and replace the chips," says Erickson. "In the meantime, Kids Kove will remain closed as a continued precautionary measure."

A report determining the structural integrity of Kids Kove is also pending. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the hiring of a playground safety inspector to analyze the wood structures given their age.

A special meeting of the commission will be held Thurs., Oct. 30, at 6pm, to discuss the report and other matters related to Kids Kove. The commission meets at the Governmental Center on Boardman Ave.