These Midwest Cities Are Cutting Pesticides From Public Parks With the Help of a National Nonprofit

Jen Schroeder’s two sons love their neighborhood park in Kansas City. It’s got a playground, space to play soccer and it’s only five minutes away from their home.

“It’s so close to us and we love to ride our bikes over here,” she said.

Like many parents, Schroeder wants her kids to spend time outside. But she also worries about the impacts of chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers on her sons’ health.

So when she saw a flier for a national program that helps cities cut back on the use of nonorganic lawn care, Schroeder brought it up to the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. She started working with the staff to apply.

Now, the park is one of two outdoor spaces in Kansas City that will halt the use of fertilizer, weed killers and insecticides typically used in public parks.