After two years, Durham contaminated parks remain closed
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Decades ago, four of five City of Durham parks were trash incinerator sites, when burning waste was common practice.
Now, they're closed as officials work to address possible lead contamination.
"It's a little discouraging to see with the fences and all," Stephen McCarty said. "But other than that, it's a very beautiful park."
McCarty was at Northgate Park, which is one of five parks that remain closed since elevated lead levels were detected in the soil in 2024. The other parks that remain closed are East Durham Park, East End Park, Lyon Park and Walltown Park.
Since then, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) completed most sampling earlier this year, but more work is needed before the parks can safely reopen.
For Ashley Scott, that means fewer safe spaces for children for now. He runs a bike program in east Durham, where two of the hardest-hit parks are located.
"My general concern is particularly in east Durham, there are five elementary schools," Scott said. "That means there's a lot of children in the area. So, when these parks are closed, particularly if they're adjacent to schools, that means their play places are closed."
As of January, officials said no above-ground vapors were detected, but an official timeline for reopening has not yet been released.
Officials said each park will get a risk-based action plan, which could include measures such as removing trees.
Meanwhile, the city has outlined short-term options for the parks, including possibly relocating playgrounds to a different area.
ABC11 reached out to city officials for more details. The latest update, according to the city's website, says additional investigation and monitoring will continue this year.
"I would hope they would get it cleaned up and taken care of because that way the families, the community can really, really enjoy the park to its fullest potential," McCarty said.
