Study Finds U.S. Parks Often Near Polluted Sites
Visiting a park often feels like a break from the world’s chaos, immersing you in nature. However, a recent study reveals that these spaces may not be as detached from pollution as assumed.
Researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed more than 151,000 public parks across the U.S., discovering that over half are within two miles of industrial sites managing toxic chemicals. Around 27,000 parks are near federally designated contaminated areas called Superfund sites. Additionally, more than 2,400 parks overlap directly with such sites.
Understanding Superfund and TRI Sites
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Superfund sites as areas posing human health risks due to mismanagement of hazardous waste. The EPA oversees clean-up efforts under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, known as “Superfund.”
Certain U.S. facilities involved with over 800 chemicals must file annual reports to the EPA, compiled into the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The study identified over 60 parks with facilities listed in the TRI.
Study Insights
Though the study didn’t measure pollution impacts on nearby environments or park visitors, it highlights the rampant presence of polluting sites close to places we frequent. Co-authors Elliott Chemberlin, a former researcher at the University of Michigan, and Philippa Clarke, a professor of epidemiology, observed frequent transformation of former industrial areas into parks, a practice that surprised them.
New York’s Central Park exemplifies proximity to a Superfund site: the Hudson River. In the past two decades, significant cleanup has removed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contaminants discharged by General Electric plants for around 30 years in the 1900s. Despite efforts, the Hudson remains a large federal Superfund site.
Other notable parks near Superfund sites include Chicago’s Millennium Park, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and the U.S. Capitol’s grounds. Green Bay’s Lambeau Field also falls within this category. An interactive map showcasing parks reviewed by researchers is accessible here.
Research Observations
Although the study didn’t evaluate pollution in the parks, several studies affirm parks’ benefits to life quality. Contrarily, residing near polluted facilities can harm health.
Clarke expressed hope for the study to guide future park planners toward locating parks away from polluting sites. The researchers encouraged further community research and advocacy to shape park management. Chemberlin and Clarke emphasized not alarming people but promoting informed community engagement.
© 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This content mustn’t be republished or modified without permission.