TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) – Could a trip to the park expose your child to lead?

Some residents in Taylorville had asked themselves that same question after learning that players who used a field at Manners Park before 2023 could have been exposed to lead.

“Do not let your children out there to play. We don’t know what’s out there,” said mother Brenda Kimble.

Kimble said this concern has been brewing for 30 years. She visited Manners Park with her children often, but she never thought they could have been exposed to harmful chemicals.

Kimble’s six-week-old daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. While her child survived the diagnosis, Debbie Sparling’s story is different.

“My son was the first one diagnosed with it, and he was the first one to lose his life over it because he was already in Stage 4. I am tired of our children and grandchildren passing away from cancer from our parks,” Sparling said.

Now, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is working to address the issue, sharing a soil evaluation report with the community.

Toxicology Chief Aaron Martin said an elevated blood lead level could have adverse health effects.

“Things like slowed or delayed growth and development, reduced academic performance or IQ scores. In adults, lead exposure can manifest as increased blood pressure or adverse impacts on your kidneys,” Martin said.

Park Field 1 is off-limits while the soil is being tested, but Martin insisted the rest of the park is safe for visitors.

That’s not reassuring enough for everyone.

“I would like to see that park closed down until they have to do a cleanup. I think that the EPA should come in, make them do a cleanup through that whole park,” Sparling said.

Further samples will be tested to help determine whether additional areas need to be addressed and to ensure the safety of visitors.