Gates Locked At Jersey City Parks After Paint Chips Show Presence Of Lead

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- High levels of lead were recently detected in drinking water at dozens of Newark public schools, and now several parks in Jersey City have been closed.

Baseball teams no longer have a field to use, and some kids can't even go outside.

Rachel Guerrero told CBS2's Meg Baker that she usually brings her two young children to the Mary Benson Park in Jersey City, once a day.

"We came over the weekend and saw it was closed," she said.

A lock and signs reading 'park closed until further notice' have blocked the playground on Merceles and 3rd Street, since traces of lead were found.

"If you look up at the overpass you can see paint that is chipped off. It's upsetting and concerning," Guerrero said.

Mayor Steve Fulop's office said paint chips caused by construction on the New Jersey Turnpike Extension above the park were found with preliminary results indicating the presence of lead.

David Haight, a teacher at Dr. Michael Conti Elementary School across the street, said kids can't play outside anymore.

"Make other arrangements, take walks, play in the gym," he said.

The gates are locked at a neighboring park on 9th Street. Residents said they want to know how long the lead has been there, and how long it will take to clean up.

"I've been here 20 plus years, how long has this been going on?" Scott Rienecker said.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is in charge of the clean up.

"Contractor will use vacuums to remove the paint chips from the park beginning tomorrow. A containment system is being installed on the Hudson County Extension to capture any other chips that might fall," they said in a statement.

Alex Carter questioned how serious the city and state are taking the issue.

"Just a hand written sign. People are still walking through. No one has warned us about any lead or anything," Carter said.

The Hudson County Health Agency will be working with Jersey City public schools and parent associations to host lead screenings for children.

The mayor's office said further soil testing will be done after the initial surface remediation.