City Closes Baseball Infields at Two Parks After Elevated Lead Levels Found Nearby Prompt Further Testing

Pasadena closed baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park after soil sampling revealed elevated lead levels in two City neighborhoods, officials announced.

The closures allow for soil testing following an April 10 report from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health that found lead levels above the California Department of Toxic Substances Control screening threshold of 80 parts per million in two Pasadena neighborhoods.

“We are taking proactive steps to help ensure that our parks are safe for all visitors, especially young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure,” said Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Community members who use the infields will be redirected to turf fields.

Three additional parks — Robinson Park, Hamilton Park, and Alice’s Dog Park — remain open during testing and, while outside the affected neighborhoods, will be tested out of an abundance of caution.

The first neighborhood with elevated lead levels is generally bounded by Lincoln Avenue, Washington Boulevard, North Altadena Drive, and the city limit. The second is bounded by North Altadena Drive, Orange Grove Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Eaton Drive.

Health officials warned that children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, skin contact or breathing in contaminated soil. Young children under six years old face higher risks because they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or eat dirt.

The Pasadena Public Health Department strongly recommends that the owners and operators of parks and youth sports fields with exposed soil in the affected areas consult professionals for testing, and take immediate precautions.

Recommended measures include closing areas with exposed soil, suspending youth sports activities on exposed soil, ensuring access to handwashing stations, and requiring participants to wash their hands after outdoor activities.

Officials noted that areas with improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, as well as areas with ground covers like grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips, may remain open.

The Health Department said that these recommendations may be beneficial to all parks and youth sports activities within Pasadena, even including those outside the identified neighborhoods.

Residents concerned about potential exposure to lead from the wildfire can obtain blood lead testing through their medical provider, Quest Labs (via 1-800-LA-4-LEAD), or at a free mobile testing event scheduled for April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mobile testing will be available for a limited time, with additional events to be added in the coming months.

The Health Department also pointed out that screening levels above 80 ppm indicate the need for further evaluation rather than immediate cleanup or remediation.