Durham parks Coverage

Parks and Recreation Department asks for $5 million from Durham for clean-up at lead contaminated parks

In December 2022, a report from a Duke researcher concluded there were mineral soil concentrations of lead in some areas of East End Park, East Durham Park and Walltown Park. The report went public around June of 2023.

'This is about our health': Durham City Council to discuss proposal to clean lead-contaminated parks at Monday meeting

Durham City leaders will discuss the Durham Parks and Recreation Department's (DPR) proposal to clean up five parks contaminated by lead and other toxins during their meeting on Monday.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL anchor/reporter

More areas in 5 Durham parks restricted due to elevated lead levels, new EPA guidlines

Durham will fence off more parkland due to lead. According to documents provided to WRAL News, additional fencing will be added to 35 acres in five parks with high lead levels.

35 more areas of Durham parks to be fenced off due to lead contamination, new EPA guidelines

According to documents provided to WRAL News, additional fencing will be added to 35 areas in five parks with high lead levels.

WRAL staff

Exploring the Triangle: Top 20 parks for the sporty crew

Explore the Triangle's top 20 parks for sporty crews in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. From biking trails to basketball courts, find your perfect outdoor adventure!

Kaila Curry, WRAL audience engagement producer

Durham City Council to discuss lead in parks issue as closures extend into new year

At the start of 2024, some Durham families still can't use parts of their public parks because of lead issues.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Durham parks closure extends into new year months after lead discovered

Parts of Durham public parks are still closed months after the city found some of the parks to be contaminated with lead.

Duke researcher finds lead in parks issue not exclusive to Durham

Parts of parks in Durham are still closed after Duke researchers discovered lead in 2022. Professor Dan Richter with the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment said this issue is seen in many cities.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Duke researcher shows lead in urban park settings a far-reaching problem

Professor Dan Richter with the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment said the issue of lead in public parks is seen in many cities.

Correlation to high lead levels and former incineration sites, Duke study says

A Duke researcher said their is a correlation to Durham parks that had high levels of lead and former sites for waste incineration.

Durham offers free blood test for lead to children, pregnant women

After lead was found in the soil at at least four local Durham parks, the Durham County Department of Public Health will offer free blood lead testing to children and pregnant women.

Durham offers free lead testing for young children, pregnant women

The testing is in response to a recent lab test in five Durham parks, where lead levels higher than EPA standards were found.

Lead testing results released for Durham parks

We now have the full results of the lead testing at parks in Durham. Some were found to have unsafe levels.

Final soil contaminant analysis at Durham Parks released Wednesday

Mid-Atlantic Associates has delayed the release of the final lab analysis report for soil lead and contaminants at five Durham parks until August 25.

'There's a sense of betrayal': More lead found in Durham parks

The City of Durham announced that more lead has been found in its parks, in addition to the three parks where high lead levels were found earlier this month.

Carly Haynes, WRAL reporter

Testing confirms presence of lead in soil at 5 Durham parks

A neighborhood association is looking into what's next after a Duke student researcher found "alarmingly high" levels of lead in the soil of three Durham parks.

Durham Parks and Recreation employees knew of lead in soil for months

Internal emails show at least two employees of the Durham Parks and Recreation Department knew about lead in soil at three parks: East Durham, East End and Walltown.

WRAL Investigates: Durham Parks Department employees knew of lead in parks, did not elevate issue

Internal emails show at least two employees of the Durham Parks and Recreation Department knew about lead in soil at three parks: East Durham, East End and Walltown.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL investigative reporter

Here are some of the best free family activities you can do in Durham

Durham offers a plethora of fantastic free attractions and experiences that will keep everyone entertained.

Rachel Driskell, WRAL contributor

Duke student finds lead in soil at 3 Durham parks, suspects contamination at 2 others

On June 1, a report from Duke student Enikoe Bihari concluded there were mineral soil concentrations of lead in some areas of East End Park, East Durham Park and Walltown Park. Lead is suspected at Northgate Park and Lyon Park.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL senior Durham reporter, and Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Several Durham parks found to be contaminated with lead

A report from a Duke student finds lead in soil at three Durham parks and suspects contamination at two others.

Durham summer camp registration set for March 27

The department has a variety of camps for children ages 5 to 17.

Book Harvest, Durham Parks team up with book boxes

The book boxes will provide families in Durham with ongoing access to literacy resources so they can thrive in school and life.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Durham may buy Wheels Family Fun Park

After 40 years of bringing entertainment to Durham's families, Wheels Family Fun Park is being sold. However, that doesn't mean the fun park will stop bringing entertainment to the Durham community. In fact, Wheels might become a recreation center for underserved members of the surrounding community.

After 40 years, Wheels Family Fun Park could become a Durham-owned recreation center

After 40 years, the Wheels Fun Park in Durham is closing -- but it might have a bright future of serving underserved populations in East Durham and helping prevent crime.

Sarah Kreuger, WRAL Durham reporter