Kids Kove playground at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center will be removed the week of May 4. Built nearly 20 years ago through the efforts of nearly 2,000 community members, the structure had been closed since last fall – initially due to the discovery of elevated levels of arsenic in the ground covering, and then a subsequent inspection revealed numerous safety hazards. Though the Parks and Recreation Commission considered a fundraising effort to refurbish the play structure, it ultimately determined that option was too costly and would still not bring the structure into compliance with national safety standards for public playgrounds.

"This has been a long, emotional journey for our community, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and our staff," says Parks and Recreation Department Director Kristine Erickson. "We are very sad to see the playground removed, but hopeful about the potential for another play structure of some sort on Civic Center grounds."

While the department has received many requests from residents about retrieving fence pickets with names of community members who contributed time and money to the project, the department was advised against it due to possible arsenic exposure. Instead, staff will remove the fence pickets and other signage, store them and "safety incorporate" them into a memorial to Kids Kove on Civic Center property, says Erickson. The sidewalk with community members' names will remain in place and untouched.

County staff, along with volunteer groups from SEEDS and Home Depot will remove the playground and wood chips using a plan that is "safe in every way," she adds.