Michigan playground closes after high arsenic levels detected

Officials have closed a playground near a Roscommon County elementary school after finding high arsenic levels in the topsoil.

WPBN-TV reports the Happy Landings Playground near Collins Elementary in Houghton Lake is indefinitely closed.

The move comes after James Demaud contacted the Houghton Lake Schools superintendent about similarities he noticed between the playground and another structure that closed in Traverse City. He says his three children grew up playing at Happy Landings.

Grand Traverse County officials closed the Kid's Cove playground after state tests showed high arsenic levels there. More recent tests suggested the playground's wood chips contain the elevated arsenic levels that initially were believed to be from the soil.

Houghton Lake Schools is hosting a forum Nov. 13 to seek residents' input on what to do with the playground.