{"id":135,"date":"2026-05-14T10:05:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T10:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=135"},"modified":"2026-05-14T10:05:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T10:05:13","slug":"durham-has-12m-plan-to-fix-its-lead-tainted-parks-so-why-are-the-fences-still-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=135","title":{"rendered":"Durham has $12M plan to fix its lead-tainted parks. So why are the fences still up?"},"content":{"rendered":"

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.<\/p>\n

Read our AI Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

For two years, the orange mesh and metal, chain-link fences surrounding five Durham parks have kept children and families out of public space they used to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Read more Madonna, BTS and Shakira to Headline 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show<\/a><\/p>\n

Once vibrant hubs remain padlocked \u201cKeep Out\u201d zones, warning people about toxins found in the soil beneath the playgrounds, basketball courts and swing sets.<\/p>\n

As of this month, the city remains in a holding pattern. While internal documents reveal a $12 million strategy to reclaim East Durham, East End, Lyon, Northgate and Walltown parks from their history as former landfills, the final green light from state regulators is late.<\/p>\n

The city expected final Remedial Investigation Summary reports from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by March or April. Those deadlines have passed, and the gates remain shut because the state will not allow partial reopenings until a full risk assessment is complete.<\/p>\n

The parks were all closed in late 2023 after a Duke University researcher found the areas once housed waste disposals. The parks were later found to have high levels of lead<\/a> in the soil. A 1937 map of Durham showed four city-run waste incinerator sites that were later turned into parks, according to the DEQ.<\/p>\n

Children under 6 are at the greatest risk from lead exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead can be found in soil, paint, drinking water and toys. Even low levels can cause permanent brain damage, behavioral issues, learning disabilities and speech problems. High levels can lead to death.<\/p>\n

The final report from the state has been a frustrating waiting game for Durham parkgoers and elected officials. City Councilwoman Chelsea Cook said the state doesn\u2019t fast-track the process for public land and the DEQ has been overwhelmed by the number of contaminated sites across the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re having to wait in line for the results from the public spaces for the same amount of time as you would any other space,\u201d Cook said in an interview. \u201cThat\u2019s feeling really frustrating in this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

A 2025 study ranked Durham 97th out of 100 major U.S. cities with major challenges in park access, equity and investment. Cook said the closures highlight a deeper historical wound as the parks were opened in majority-minority, under-invested neighborhoods years ago.<\/p>\n

Read more Top coronavirus researcher Ralph Baric will retire from UNC-Chapel Hill<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t have a healthy community without having public space for gathering, for exercise, for being in nature,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The lead levels found at the parks are over 200 milligrams per kilogram, according to a memo from S&ME Inc., the engineering consultant firm involved in the testing. While the Environmental Protection Agency says 400 milligrams per kilogram is hazardous for soil in kid\u2019s play areas, the 200 level is considered dangerous to children who might ingest soil if it\u2019s dry or dusty, according to the CDC.<\/p>\n

An early estimate shows that it will cost $10.47 million to remediate the soil in all five park. That projected cost also includes a 30% contingency to account for unforeseen construction costs.<\/p>\n

There is a concern that the current funding may only be a down payment. Some sites may require more, expensive remedies.<\/p>\n

The city might need to explore increasing the dedicated park tax, which is currently half-penny to a full penny on the tax rate, to ensure park spaces continue to thrive, Cook said.<\/p>\n

In memo to the city manager, Parks and Recreation Director Wade Walcutt said proactive financial planning is important to the parks\u2019 survival.<\/p>\n

\u201cSecuring City funding now allows needed improvements, such as amenity replacement, demolition or construction of new amenities, and soil modification, to move forward without relying solely on State timelines and priorities,\u201d Walcutt wrote.<\/p>\n

For now, the $12 million remains untouched. Once the state finally delivers its summary reports, the city will still face a four- to 12-month period to develop formal Remedial Action Plans for each site. The process will also involve community input.<\/p>\n

Read more How sewage from a broken pipe at RDU ended up in a creek several miles away<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The NC Department of Environmental Quality is supposed to provide a final report about five contaminated parks in Durham. The city has $12M to spend on fixes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":134,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-read-todays-edition"],"yoast_head":"\nDurham has $12M plan to fix its lead-tainted parks. 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