JERSEY CITY — As of April 11, following lead testing, the city of Jersey City has reopened Mary Benson Park and Enos Jones Park, but not yet Franco Field.
Franco Field is expected to open by April 14, weather permitting, city officials said.
Both locations have been tested multiple times (the soil as well as surface area – swipes of areas that are “most frequented by youth,” said Jennifer Morrill, spokesperson for the city. “We will move forward with the openings as there is daily monitoring by the Turnpike Authority.”
In Mary Benson Park the soil was tested and a small area behind the park (adjacent to Turnpike property and where the paint chips were found) was found to have lead.
“The park itself did not have lead; however, there were areas that had the presence of dust with lead which is why we have been extra cautious,” Morrill said. “Those areas have been cleaned. DPW is adding netting along the fence line and the Turnpike Authority is monitoring daily for the presence of paint chips, and they will be expected to vacuum any chips and clean the equipment as necessary. The Turnpike Authority is also installing netting on the overhead extension which is expected by June.”
In Enos Jones Park no lead was found in the skate park or the children’s playground. The Clemente Little League field showed no presence of lead or the basketball court.
“Franco Field was the only area to have the lead paint chips and that area is being cleaned. Netting will also be installed around that area,” Morrill said.
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