Used as the island’s trash dump for the latter part of the 20th century, Pembroke Marsh Park (bordered by Marsh Folly Rd. and Parson’s Rd., open sunrise to sunset daily, admission free) bears the scars of longtime pollution that could take decades to erase. The good news is, that process has already begun, with trash now disposed of at the North Shore incinerator and the marsh today the focus of government plans to return them to public parkland.
While scientists say pollution levels in the water are high, the area remains a popular birding site; egrets and herons are seen in the vicinity, along with endemic plant life. Access to Pembroke Marsh Park is difficult and dirty, however. A public playground, alongside the park on Parson’s Road, is a popular attraction for children of all ages.