Greene Co. Park Facilities Now 95 Percent Open

First posted on 03-16-2007

Approximately 95 percent of all Springfield-Greene County park system facilities have now been reopened, following the Jan. 12 ice storm. The following facilities are the only parks or trails not currently available to the public due to unsafe conditions associated with ongoing ice storm debris removal:

George Washington Carver Park
Fellows Lake Trail
Sac River Mountain Bike Trail
Wilson’s Creek Volunteer Nature Trail
“We’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made over the past few weeks in working to clean up the park system,” said Parks Director Jodie Adams. “With spring weather we know our citizens are anxious to get out and enjoy our park facilities, and we’re working diligently with our contractor and staff to make that possible. We certainly have appreciated everyone’s patience and willingness to help out throughout this rather challenging ordeal.”

It is expected that the FEMA-related tree and debris removal will be completed for parks sometime in April. However, Adams cautions that additional park restoration and beautification will be an ongoing process. “While our FEMA-related efforts are winding down, we still have plenty to do in the way of additional tree trimming, stump grinding, and turf repair. Our crews will likely be at it for many months to ensure that our parks, trails and facilities are restored to their full beauty.”

As of March 13, 2007, approximately 83,091 cubic yards of debris had been removed from the Park Board’s 90-plus park facilities. This includes 11,758 trees that have been trimmed and 1,667 trees that had to be removed. Parks tree species most affected by the ice storm included Siberian Elm, Silver Maple, Bradford Pear, and Red Maple cultivars.

For more information, please contact the Park Board Main offices at 1923 N. Weller Ave., (417) 864-1049.