Long-term exposure to environmental contaminants such as lead in soil and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air are linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Since air pollution historically contained lead in combustion sources, studying contaminated soil is necessary to understand the risks of previous air pollution. Both air and soil pollution vary significantly in space and time, and not everyone is at the same risk of exposure. Parks offer a variety of ecosystem services, one of which is assumed to be protection from pollution in the rest of the city. However, this shielding effect has not been quantitatively explored. This summer, we asked, in which areas are lead contamination and/or air pollution highest? Do parks in New York City have a shielding effect against contamination? Within a park, how does contamination vary?