Trainsong Park Soil Cleanup

Share Trainsong Park Soil Cleanup on Facebook Share Trainsong Park Soil Cleanup on Twitter Share Trainsong Park Soil Cleanup on Linkedin Email Trainsong Park Soil Cleanup link

The City of Eugene temporarily closed Trainsong Park in January 2022 after dioxins were unexpectedly identified in the park’s soil. Dioxins are a class of toxic chemical produced by industrial and natural sources which, depending on the level of exposure, can increase the risk of cancer or other health effects.

After this discovery, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) conducted additional soil testing in February 2022. The results of that testing indicated that only some portions of the park contained soil with elevated levels of dioxins. Those areas were kept closed while the remainder of the park was reopened in April 2022. In February 2023 DEQ conducted additional testing in the park, publishing a report on the findings in June 2023.

In July 2023 the City of Eugene took over the planning for the park cleanup. The City of Eugene is now evaluating options for soil cleanup while pursuing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to support the cleanup effort.

How to get involved:

Background Information:

¿habla español? Para información en español, visite engage.eugene-or.gov/trainsong-espanol

The City of Eugene temporarily closed Trainsong Park in January 2022 after dioxins were unexpectedly identified in the park’s soil. Dioxins are a class of toxic chemical produced by industrial and natural sources which, depending on the level of exposure, can increase the risk of cancer or other health effects.

After this discovery, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) conducted additional soil testing in February 2022. The results of that testing indicated that only some portions of the park contained soil with elevated levels of dioxins. Those areas were kept closed while the remainder of the park was reopened in April 2022. In February 2023 DEQ conducted additional testing in the park, publishing a report on the findings in June 2023.

In July 2023 the City of Eugene took over the planning for the park cleanup. The City of Eugene is now evaluating options for soil cleanup while pursuing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to support the cleanup effort.

How to get involved:

Background Information:

¿habla español? Para información en español, visite engage.eugene-or.gov/trainsong-espanol

  • June 2026 Update

    Share June 2026 Update on Facebook Share June 2026 Update on Twitter Share June 2026 Update on Linkedin Email June 2026 Update link
    City of Eugene Parks and Open Space staff hosted a community meeting on Thursday May 28th to share new information about the depth of soil contamination at Trainsong Park, update the project timing, and to discuss park neighbor questions and concerns. Two members of the City's project consultant team were also on hand to translate hard science and design information into plain language. While some questions remain to be answered, the conversation was informative and fundamental to establishing neighborhood concerns that can now be incorporated into the project design. Staff also shared information and answered questions about funding available for park renovations after the soil removal and capping project.

    Please check out the updated FAQ document and be sure to take our new survey about park renovations scheduled for 2028. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can also view the presentation slides here. If you have ongoing questions, concerns or comments you'd like to share, please reach out! We're eager to hear from you and share what we know.
    City of Eugene Parks and Open Space staff hosted a community meeting on Thursday May 28th to share new information about the depth of soil contamination at Trainsong Park, update the project timing, and to discuss park neighbor questions and concerns. Two members of the City's project consultant team were also on hand to translate hard science and design information into plain language. While some questions remain to be answered, the conversation was informative and fundamental to establishing neighborhood concerns that can now be incorporated into the project design. Staff also shared information and answered questions about funding available for park renovations after the soil removal and capping project.

    Please check out the updated FAQ document and be sure to take our new survey about park renovations scheduled for 2028. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can also view the presentation slides here. If you have ongoing questions, concerns or comments you'd like to share, please reach out! We're eager to hear from you and share what we know.

  • March Update - Public Meeting Rescheduled

    Share March Update - Public Meeting Rescheduled on Facebook Share March Update - Public Meeting Rescheduled on Twitter Share March Update - Public Meeting Rescheduled on Linkedin Email March Update - Public Meeting Rescheduled link

    Due to delays in receiving soil depth testing information, the public meeting originally planned for April 9, has been rescheduled to Thursday May 28th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    Join us for light refreshments and to learn more about Trainsong Park.

    This is the first in a series of public meetings were Staff will share:

    • details about the soil cleanup project (planned for summer of 2026)
    • a brief presentation about future park renovations at Trainsong Park (planned for 2027)
    • a survey where you can share you input on what you'd like to see improved at this park with Bond Measure funding

    We hope to see you there!

    📆Thursday May 28, 2026

    🕑6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    📍Lion of Judah Christan Center - 2600 Wood Ave. Eugene OR 97402


    Due to delays in receiving soil depth testing information, the public meeting originally planned for April 9, has been rescheduled to Thursday May 28th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    Join us for light refreshments and to learn more about Trainsong Park.

    This is the first in a series of public meetings were Staff will share:

    • details about the soil cleanup project (planned for summer of 2026)
    • a brief presentation about future park renovations at Trainsong Park (planned for 2027)
    • a survey where you can share you input on what you'd like to see improved at this park with Bond Measure funding

    We hope to see you there!

    📆Thursday May 28, 2026

    🕑6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    📍Lion of Judah Christan Center - 2600 Wood Ave. Eugene OR 97402


  • February 2026 Update and Save the Date

    Share February 2026 Update and Save the Date on Facebook Share February 2026 Update and Save the Date on Twitter Share February 2026 Update and Save the Date on Linkedin Email February 2026 Update and Save the Date link

    Save the Date! Join us on Thursday April 9, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Lion of Judah Christian Center (2600 Wood Ave, Eugene) for light refreshments and to learn more about Trainsong Park.

    This is the first in a series of public meetings were Staff will share:

    • details about the soil cleanup project (planned for summer of 2026)
    • a brief presentation about future park renovations at Trainsong Park (planned for 2027)
    • a survey where you can share you input on what you'd like to see improved at this park with Bond Measure funding

    We hope to see you there!

    📆Thursday April 9, 2026

    🕑6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    📍Lion of Judah Christan Center - 2600 Wood Ave. Eugene OR 97402

    Save the Date! Join us on Thursday April 9, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Lion of Judah Christian Center (2600 Wood Ave, Eugene) for light refreshments and to learn more about Trainsong Park.

    This is the first in a series of public meetings were Staff will share:

    • details about the soil cleanup project (planned for summer of 2026)
    • a brief presentation about future park renovations at Trainsong Park (planned for 2027)
    • a survey where you can share you input on what you'd like to see improved at this park with Bond Measure funding

    We hope to see you there!

    📆Thursday April 9, 2026

    🕑6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    📍Lion of Judah Christan Center - 2600 Wood Ave. Eugene OR 97402

  • Trainsong Park Soil Testing Update, January 2026

    Share Trainsong Park Soil Testing Update, January 2026 on Facebook Share Trainsong Park Soil Testing Update, January 2026 on Twitter Share Trainsong Park Soil Testing Update, January 2026 on Linkedin Email Trainsong Park Soil Testing Update, January 2026 link
    Phase 1 soil testing in Trainsong Park was completed in December of 2025 which helped determine the testing methods for the second phase of work. This second soil testing phase will start early the week of January 19th and last one week, with completion by Monday January 26th at the latest. This round of testing is being conducted to determine the depth of the soil contamination, if any, in the areas identified as having high dioxin concentrations. The results will then inform the final design of the soil removal and replacement project scheduled for later this summer.
    Both field personnel and equipment in the form of a small soil drill will be on site for this work and the testing will be extensive and conducted in manner agreed upon by the Oregon DEQ. Once the results are known, the DEQ will also have the final say on the approved design prior to the start of construction. Once the details of this construction plan are known, the City will host a public meeting for neighbors to share project details, project schedule, and associated safety information. We'll also answer any questions you may have about the upcoming work.
    In the meantime please reach out to City Staff with any questions you may have and we'll be here to provide more information as we have it.
    Thanks again for your patience with the implementation of this project!
    Phase 1 soil testing in Trainsong Park was completed in December of 2025 which helped determine the testing methods for the second phase of work. This second soil testing phase will start early the week of January 19th and last one week, with completion by Monday January 26th at the latest. This round of testing is being conducted to determine the depth of the soil contamination, if any, in the areas identified as having high dioxin concentrations. The results will then inform the final design of the soil removal and replacement project scheduled for later this summer.
    Both field personnel and equipment in the form of a small soil drill will be on site for this work and the testing will be extensive and conducted in manner agreed upon by the Oregon DEQ. Once the results are known, the DEQ will also have the final say on the approved design prior to the start of construction. Once the details of this construction plan are known, the City will host a public meeting for neighbors to share project details, project schedule, and associated safety information. We'll also answer any questions you may have about the upcoming work.
    In the meantime please reach out to City Staff with any questions you may have and we'll be here to provide more information as we have it.
    Thanks again for your patience with the implementation of this project!

  • Trainsong Park Project Update: Supplemental Soil Testing Coming Soon

    Share Trainsong Park Project Update: Supplemental Soil Testing Coming Soon on Facebook Share Trainsong Park Project Update: Supplemental Soil Testing Coming Soon on Twitter Share Trainsong Park Project Update: Supplemental Soil Testing Coming Soon on Linkedin Email Trainsong Park Project Update: Supplemental Soil Testing Coming Soon link

    The City is happy to announce that additional soil testing in areas identified as having high concentrations of dioxin contamination will begin on Friday, November 21st, 2025. This additional testing is to first confirm, with more granularity, the levels of dioxin present in various areas of the site. Once this is further understood, a second phase of testing will explore how deep the contamination may be across these areas. This information will determine the final design for the project scheduled for construction in 2026.

    While the initial phase of testing will be limited to hand sampling by a few technicians, the second phase will employ machinery to test soils in contaminated areas in a grid pattern across the fenced off areas of the park. Once the scope and dates of this piece of the project are finalized, the City will update this website and reach out to our interested parties and partners with this important information.

    We are also looking forward to the start of community meetings for the project in early 2026. Our first meeting will share information gathered from the on-site testing and answer questions about the proposed design and construction process. Later in the spring we’ll host a second meeting to discuss details of the project before it moves forward into construction. Your participation in these events is important as we need your feedback and concerns to be wrapped into the process and the design documents if and as appropriate. Look for more information here in the future and check out the updated FAQ’s for current information. If you have questions in the meantime, please reach out to staff and we’ll be happy to respond.

    The City is happy to announce that additional soil testing in areas identified as having high concentrations of dioxin contamination will begin on Friday, November 21st, 2025. This additional testing is to first confirm, with more granularity, the levels of dioxin present in various areas of the site. Once this is further understood, a second phase of testing will explore how deep the contamination may be across these areas. This information will determine the final design for the project scheduled for construction in 2026.

    While the initial phase of testing will be limited to hand sampling by a few technicians, the second phase will employ machinery to test soils in contaminated areas in a grid pattern across the fenced off areas of the park. Once the scope and dates of this piece of the project are finalized, the City will update this website and reach out to our interested parties and partners with this important information.

    We are also looking forward to the start of community meetings for the project in early 2026. Our first meeting will share information gathered from the on-site testing and answer questions about the proposed design and construction process. Later in the spring we’ll host a second meeting to discuss details of the project before it moves forward into construction. Your participation in these events is important as we need your feedback and concerns to be wrapped into the process and the design documents if and as appropriate. Look for more information here in the future and check out the updated FAQ’s for current information. If you have questions in the meantime, please reach out to staff and we’ll be happy to respond.

  • Trainsong Park Remediation to Receive $1.526 Million EPA Grant

    Share Trainsong Park Remediation to Receive $1.526 Million EPA Grant on Facebook Share Trainsong Park Remediation to Receive $1.526 Million EPA Grant on Twitter Share Trainsong Park Remediation to Receive $1.526 Million EPA Grant on Linkedin Email Trainsong Park Remediation to Receive $1.526 Million EPA Grant link

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified $1.526 million in Brownfield Cleanup Grant funding to the City of Eugene for remediation of Trainsong Park, where sections of dioxin-contaminated soil unexpectedly were found more than two years ago. Funding will be awarded upon completion of the final application step.

    The City applied for the funds last fall and received word of the award this week. In all, the Environmental Protection Agency announced $9,806,874 in grants to expedite the assessment and cleanup of Brownfield sites in Oregon. Eugene’s portion will be used to replace much of the soil at the park as well as to develop a public involvement plan and conduct community engagement activities.

    “We are so grateful for having been prioritized for such a significant amount of funding for the project,” said Emily Proudfoot, landscape architect with the City of Eugene. “It is exciting to know we are close to moving forward with this important remediation work and get this park opened entirely to the community.”

    Soil sampling and testing at Trainsong Park led by DEQ during fall of 2021 identified elevated levels of dioxins in shallow soils. The source of the contamination at Trainsong Park is unknown and unrelated to J.H. Baxter, a former wood-processing facility about a mile away.

    DEQ will help the city implement the cleanup, including removal of dioxin contamination from the park. Dioxins are a group of chemicals that are formed during industrial processes such as the bleaching process in pulp and papermaking. They are also present in some wood treating formulations and can be generated during the burning of organic materials, including wildfires.

    “It is a point of livability to ensure all parks in every area of Eugene are safe for families to visit,” said Proudfoot. “We appreciate the partnership of Trainsong neighbors who offered feedback on this project both in the past and in the future.”

    Formal government agreements must be finalized before funding is awarded and work can begin at the park. A rough estimate would have the remediation work beginning in 2025.

    The City wishes to thank Congresswoman Val Hoyle, Active Bethel Citizens and Beyond Toxics for the support they offered in procuring the funding.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified $1.526 million in Brownfield Cleanup Grant funding to the City of Eugene for remediation of Trainsong Park, where sections of dioxin-contaminated soil unexpectedly were found more than two years ago. Funding will be awarded upon completion of the final application step.

    The City applied for the funds last fall and received word of the award this week. In all, the Environmental Protection Agency announced $9,806,874 in grants to expedite the assessment and cleanup of Brownfield sites in Oregon. Eugene’s portion will be used to replace much of the soil at the park as well as to develop a public involvement plan and conduct community engagement activities.

    “We are so grateful for having been prioritized for such a significant amount of funding for the project,” said Emily Proudfoot, landscape architect with the City of Eugene. “It is exciting to know we are close to moving forward with this important remediation work and get this park opened entirely to the community.”

    Soil sampling and testing at Trainsong Park led by DEQ during fall of 2021 identified elevated levels of dioxins in shallow soils. The source of the contamination at Trainsong Park is unknown and unrelated to J.H. Baxter, a former wood-processing facility about a mile away.

    DEQ will help the city implement the cleanup, including removal of dioxin contamination from the park. Dioxins are a group of chemicals that are formed during industrial processes such as the bleaching process in pulp and papermaking. They are also present in some wood treating formulations and can be generated during the burning of organic materials, including wildfires.

    “It is a point of livability to ensure all parks in every area of Eugene are safe for families to visit,” said Proudfoot. “We appreciate the partnership of Trainsong neighbors who offered feedback on this project both in the past and in the future.”

    Formal government agreements must be finalized before funding is awarded and work can begin at the park. A rough estimate would have the remediation work beginning in 2025.

    The City wishes to thank Congresswoman Val Hoyle, Active Bethel Citizens and Beyond Toxics for the support they offered in procuring the funding.

Page last updated: 09 Jun 2026, 11:26 AM