Warfield Point Park has started its cleanup process so folks can soon visit there again.
“We’re getting it ready for us to try to move back in here,” Washington County Buildings and Grounds Director Donald Davis said.
County officials in early January closed Warfield Point Park as the Mississippi River began to rise, which is routine when the river reaches 46 feet on the Greenville gauge.
The river rose above 46 feet twice this year during the massive flood event, first from January 8-21 and again from Feb. 14 to July 24.
The river was at 30.4 feet Thursday, leaving Davis and his crews confident they’ll be able to work without risk of it flooding again anytime soon.
The cleanup process after a high water event usually involves checking for electrical damages, removing debris and garbage from the grounds and making any necessary repairs.
After the park was flooded as long as it was, Davis said their biggest task has been removing fallen trees.
“We’re out here now moving trees and cutting grass,” Davis said Thursday afternoon, noting there were about 16 large trees throughout the park that fell over.
As crews worked with bulldozers, trucks and chainsaws, there was one cute and unexpected surprise reported.
“When they broke one of the large trees away they got up by the stump, a pretty fox jumped out of the hole of the tree,” Davis said with a laugh. “He was alive, he had set him up a den there.”
The park’s buildings, such as the pavilion by the riverfront, did receive some damage, but Davis said he wasn’t sure how much just yet.
“It is damaged but it wasn’t knocked down, thanks be to God,” he said, noting he did see a lot of sand from the river on the ground.
The park’s flood insurance adjuster was scheduled to visit the park grounds Thursday afternoon to see how extensive the damages were.
“We haven’t had a chance to get in the buildings. When we get in there, we’ll see what’s going on to make sure we get the bathrooms all cleaned up,” Davis said.
Once work is completed, the park could reopen within the next two weeks.
“We’re projecting to get back no later than Labor Day weekend,” he said.
About Warfield Point Park
Situated on 80 acres between the levee and the Mississippi River, Warfield is a Washington County park that offers overnight camping, RVs, picnicking, walking trails and ATV trails. It also boasts a 38-foot observation tower, giving panoramic views of Old Man River.
The park has also been the host of several local festivals and events, such as the Warfield Riverfest and the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival.
For more information about the park, visit warfieldpointpark.com.
