Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 20, 1995 TAG: 9501200086
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
"We've had crews in there for the last three days" since the water receded, he said Thursday. "It's just a matter of getting it so it's safe for the public."
Sunday, the New River - swollen by heavy rains upstream in North Carolina - covered virtually the entire park beneath Memorial Bridge, including the swimming pool and tennis courts. City crews have blocked roads leading to the park to vehicle traffic.
Goodyear said the flood waters broke down fences at the tennis courts and the swimming pool, which also was flooded. As a result, Goodyear said, the pool's water supply and purification system will have to be completely drained and cleaned in the spring.
For now, crews plan to vacuum the mud from the bottom of the pool, which just underwent $65,000 in repairs.
"I've never seen anything like it. The water's been up high before, but it's never gotten into the pool before in my 17 years here," he said.
Goodyear also reported a lot of mud on the roads and jogging trail as well as a lot of loose debris throughout the park. He said the fire department has hosed down the picnic shelters, the electrical department has restored power at the park, and city public works and recreation workers were cooperating on the cleanup job.
"We've got part-time crews, and they've got equipment," said Goodyear, who's keeping one ear on worrisome weather reports calling for more rain the New River Valley.
Bisset Park is "still really wet, especially close to the river," he said.
For more information, call 731-3633.
by CNB