Legend Park Remediation Project

The Legend Park Remediation Project is a state-funded initiative led by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to address environmental concerns related to a pre-regulatory landfill at Legend Park. The site was used for waste disposal in the 1960s and 1970s, before modern waste management regulations were in place. Although some remediation occurred in the 1980s, the Town of Clayton is collaborating with NCDEQ to revitalize the area further to meet today’s environmental standards. 

The project involves removing or capping waste, improving erosion control, and restoring the site for safe community use. Once completed, the park will be transformed into open green space, enhancing local ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities, and contributing to the town's overall quality of life.

A pre-regulatory landfill is defined as any land area, whether publicly or privately owned, on which municipal solid waste disposal occurred prior to January 1, 1983, but not thereafter, and does not include any landfill used primarily for the disposal of industrial solid waste. Such landfills can pose risks to the environment, including soil contamination and potential harm to local ecosystems. Remediation projects like this one aim to mitigate those risks, ensuring safer land use and improving the environmental health of the area.

The project is set to begin on October 21, 2024, and is expected to last between 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the work or any unforeseen challenges. This timeline includes remediation efforts, demolition of old structures, and restoring the area with vegetation. During this time residents may notice an increase in construction traffic, noise, and dust. Be assured that the Town and NCDEQ are committed to minimizing disruptions and adhering to safety standards.

Legend Park, including the trailhead, will be closed during the project to ensure public safety while remediation is underway. Signage will be posted to inform visitors about the closure and provide project updates. The greenway closure is anticipated to last until late 2025 to early 2026.

The project will include protective fencing around the remediation site, erosion control features, and measures to minimize dust and noise. The area will be monitored to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

As part of the project, the old baseball field, press box, concession stand, lights, and fencing at Legend Park will be removed. This is necessary to prepare the area for remediation and future use as open green space. Once the landfill is capped and the area is restored, new uses for the space will be considered. 

This $2.9 million project is completely state-funded. The Town of Clayton is not responsible for any direct costs associated with the remediation. 

The project is being overseen by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and managed by Terracon, with SR&R Environmental conducting the remediation work.

The remediation will restore Legend Park as a safe and environmentally sound space for residents to enjoy. It will provide additional green space and support the health of local ecosystems. In the long term, this project will enhance the quality of life in Clayton by creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment. 

After remediation, the area will be restored with vegetation approved by NCDEQ. The site is planned to be transformed into a passive park with open green space, including a trailhead and parking area for the Sam’s Branch Greenway.

Updates regarding the Legend Park Remediation Project will be posted on the Town’s website at ClaytonParks.org/LegendPark. Any impacts to the greenway will also be communicated through the Town’s Greenway Alert system. Residents and visitors can stay informed by signing up for greenway updates at ClaytonParks.org/GreenwayAlerts.