Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone:  (336) 373-2421

Meeting Planned to Explain Barber Park Soil Test Findings

GREENSBORO, NC (October 24, 2007) – Tests conducted on soil samples collected from Barber Park have shown that the park is safe for ongoing construction, leisure and recreational activities. As a result, the park will reopen to the public on Wednesday, October 31 at 8 am. The tennis facility at the park will reopen on Thursday, October 25.

As promised, the City will share detailed information about the test results during a public meeting at the Simkins Pavilion at Barber Park on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 pm. City staff and consultants involved in the testing and analysis of the soils will be present to answer questions.

The City closed Barber Park on June 18 after construction crews found soils that they suspected might be contaminated. The park was closed while the City properly assessed the suspected soils and soils from other areas of the park. The City contracted with Trigon Engineering Consultants, Inc., a local environmental engineering firm, to coordinate testing on the site, and with Hazardous Substance & Waste Management Research, Inc. (HSWMR) of Tallahassee, Florida to identify any public health concern related to the soils in question. Both firms reviewed the sampling results and made recommendations to the City, which will be shared at the public meeting.

In its report to the City, HSWMR concluded that, based on the sampling and analytical results, the soils at the park pose no significant human health risk. HSWMR further noted that construction, occupational and recreational activities can safely continue in the areas that have been evaluated to date.

The area north of the amphitheater on the eastern side of the park entrance remains fenced while additional testing is conducted to comply with requirements of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, tests in some areas showed limited impacts from certain metals and common petroleum-based chemicals. Those areas will also remain fenced as further testing is carried out; however, these areas are not considered to pose any risk to public health. Once this testing is complete, the site analysis will be officially finalized. In addition, the construction area on the west side of the park entrance will remain fenced to prevent access to the active construction area.

For more information, contact Assistant City Manager Bob Morgan at (336) 373-2002 or Environmental Services Director Jeri Covington at (336) 373-2787.

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 ***Photo Opportunity***
 Opening of Barber Park gates at 8 am on Thursday, October 25

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.