<p>Ponds are among the most biodiverse and abundant freshwater ecosystems in the world and provide a variety of socio-ecological values, including in urban areas. Urban ponds in parks are often used for recreation and wildlife habitat, as well as stormwater management, creating the potential for human and wildlife exposure to contaminants. Lead is a prevalent neurotoxic pollutant in urban waterbodies. Understanding its abundance and distribution in urban ponds is essential for evaluating whether a pond should be deemed appropriate for mixed use. The objectives of our study were to measure fine sediment lead concentrations ([Pb]) and determine how lead was spatially distributed within urban park ponds typical of those in U.S. cities used for fishing, stormwater catchment, and wildlife habitat. Mean [Pb] varied significantly between ponds and among sampling sites within each pond, with [Pb] exceeding the consensus-based Probable Effect Concentration of 128&#xa0;ppm in a pond with less surrounding greenspace and broader stormwater management network connections. Our data demonstrated that lead pollution does not distribute evenly within a pond with inflow and outflow features. Additional complexity within a pond may further influence contaminant distribution. This study provides beneficial information for identifying which urban ponds and which areas within urban ponds have dangerous [Pb]. The knowledge gained about lead concentration and spatial distribution may contribute to urban pond management, mitigation efforts to remove contaminated sediments, and recreational use policies.</p>