Timeline
Four years of findings, fences, and planning. Items marked planned are announced intentions the city has not yet completed.
Nov.–Dec. 2022
Duke researchers communicate soil lead findings to parks staff; graduate research published. A later news investigation documents this early notice.[10]
June 1, 2023
The city says it received the study report; public attention and follow-up investigation begin.[3]
July–Aug. 2023
Independent soil sampling conducted; results furnished to the city and NCDEQ in August.[3]
Oct. 12, 2023
All five parks added to NCDEQ's pre-regulatory landfill inventory.[2]
2023–2024
Precautionary fencing and restrictions expand; site surveys and further state investigations.[1, 11]
2025–early 2026
Multiple sampling rounds covering soil, groundwater, water, sediment, and landfill gas.[4]
Apr.–July 2026
Publicly expected state report dates shift; the city acknowledges investigation delays.[4]
May 2026
City publishes approximately $24.4M cap-and-cover estimates; proposes hiring an outside consultant.[4]
Sept. 2026
City documents unequal Remedial Action Plan schedules across the parks; no firm reopening dates.[4]
Oct. 16, 2026
City memo outlines long-term replacement fencing, possible partial access, and a 4–5-year planning horizon.[7]
Oct. 19, 2026
Council approves the A1 Consulting Group contract by a 7–0 vote: $674,757 maximum including contingency, to review data and compare remedies at four parks.[5]
Nov.–Dec. 2026Planned
Fencing installation sequence: Walltown, Northgate, Lyon, East Durham. The city targets year-end completion.[4, 7]
One thing worth sitting with: WRAL obtained emails showing parks officials heard from the researchers in November 2022, while the city says it formally received the study report on June 1, 2023. We record that gap because it is documented. We don’t claim to know why it happened.[3, 10]
When a published deadline slips, we keep the old date, the new date, and whatever explanation was given. History stays on the page.