VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Aside from a portion of Griffin Bike Park, every Vigo County Park has re-opened following the June 29 derecho storm damage.
According to Parks Superintendent Adam Grossman, getting the parks back open was a major operation that required more than just the Parks and Recreation Department’s staff.
“It was an intense effort on the part of our staff and volunteers,” Grossman said. “Riverscape helped open the Wabashiki trail, and many volunteers including the Friends of Griffin bike park cleared many trails at Griffin. These volunteers are still helping with tree removal.”
Grossman said all told there were around 600 trees that fell on structures, roads, and trails due to the strong winds.
As part of the cleanup, crews are using a large chipper to clean up debris throughout the park while still attending to regular maintenance duties. Grossman speculated that it may take a full month to finish the chipping part of the cleanup.
Grossman added that the large scale of the damage and issues with cell phone lines made communication among staff difficult.
“All radios were down, cell phones didn’t work most of the time for days! Although other than horse and buggy, I’m not sure what would be better,” Grossman said. “All full-time employees get a phone stipend, and eventually were able to send texts back and forth better than a phone call which was the only communication for days.”
Grossman asks residents to watch their Facebook page for an update once the final portion of Griffin Bike Park is re-opened.
