Once home to a clay target shooting club, the Environment Protection Authority is now investigating the site for lead shot contamination in the southern half.
DELWP regional manager John Downs said signs had been erected in the park around affected areas.
“DELWP can confirm that a former clay target shooting club was active on the southern half of the reserve up until approximately 20 years ago and there is the potential for lead shot contamination in that section of the site,” he said.
“Further investigations are required to determine the extent of the potential contamination. EPA Victoria has inspected the site and taken soil samples.
“DELWP will continue to work with the EPA and the reserve committee to restrict access to the defined area while the samples are analysed.”
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects, according to the EPA.
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body, with even low levels of lead in children potentially resulting in behavioural and learning problems, lower IQ, stunted growth, hearing problems and anaemia.
A local citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, was concerned because her grandchildren regularly play at the reserve, which includes part of the old gun club shed.
She said after seeing a warning sign at the reserve, which does not make any reference to lead contamination, she called DELWP which confirmed it could be lead.
She believed there should be more visible and informative warning signs around the park.
In 2016, high levels of lead were detected at the oval, surrounding land and in the groundwater at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve after years of lead pellets from the neighbouring clay target shooting club leaching into the ground.
Contamination from shooting ranges is a concern because it can spread and contaminate nearby land and water, posing a further risk to animals such as livestock, according to the EPA.
The EPA confirmed DELWP’s statement but was unable to provide further details before print deadline.