On the heels of a press conference with Mayor Fenty this afternoon, NBC4 is reporting that Fort Reno Park in Northwest D.C. is now open after soil samples found that arsenic levels were “well within safety limits.” Previously, satellite imagery analyzed by geographer Dr. Terry Slonecker appeared to show that arsenic levels in the park were very high, causing the National Park Service to close the park. About a week later, soil tests showed the levels were safe, and Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh and Mayor Fenty vowed to reopen the park.

And that looks like good news for Fort Reno concert series — organizer Amanda MacKaye’s email auto response as of 5 p.m. was “no word from park service but i am still planning on the concerts happening” (although the website has apparently not been updated). Looks like a good week for the MacKaye family, as Amanda’s brother Ian is a new father.

Other park users, such as the Potomac Wiffleball League, have also announced that they’re returning.

Photo by yolamak