Cottonwood recedes; Cleanup starts in Springfield

Damage estimate is nearly same as flood of 1997

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- About 400 Springfield Public School students are expected to help clean up flood damage in Riverside Park today.

Work will center on cleaning and repairing damaged fences around the park's ball fields.

The park, which includes a campground, swimming pool, football, baseball and softball fields and tennis courts, was under water for the past few weeks as the Cottonwood River swelled far over its banks.

The flood was about a foot lower than the 1997 flood crest but the swollen river was wider this year than four years ago, according to Springfield Disaster Chairman Stan Amsden.

Amsden has been fighting Springfield floods for 40 years.

"We had close to the same amount of damage this year as in 1997," Amsden said. "The softball diamond got hit harder this time. It always looks worse until you get it cleaned up."

The general public is invited to bring rakes, shovels and other hand tools Thursday for a cleanup that begins in the park at 5 p.m. A similar public cleanup effort was held after the 1993 floods, according to Springfield Street Superintendent Doug Marz.

"We got lots of help back then. We hope we do again," Marz said. "We have some tractors and skid steers lined up to help clean up."

Thursday efforts will center on cleaning out and filling in washed-out areas of the park and replacing lime underneath playground equipment.

Springfield City Manager Gary Hale applauded the efforts of city officials against the swollen river.

"It's very manageable now, thank heavens," said Hale, who lives near the river. "We were darn lucky there wasn't more serious damage."

The enlarged river wore away part of Cass Avenue that splits the park. It also moved gravel from campground sites, tipped over a gazebo, piled up gravel near the swimming pool, piled junk along ball park fences, and tore fences out of the ground on the softball diamond.

The Cottonwood River also flooded many holes and the clubhouse at the Springfield Golf Club. Clubhouse carpeting and woodwork will be replaced.

Hale said he was impressed with the way Springfield officials handled the flood.

"Our crews pumped water that leaked around culverts and the side of the dike around the clock for several days," Hale said. "They were great. Very cool and relaxed. They knew what had to be done and were on top of it."

Hale commended Springfield Police Sergeant John Nicholson for his work.

"He provided leadership when we worked overnight," Hale said. "Not having lived through this before, I wasn't as relaxed as they were. I was very impressed. The fire department was on the sidelines. Everybody was lined up and ready to go if needed."

Nicholson said Springfield was more prepared to handle the rising river this year than it was in the past.

"We had quite a bit of water damage, but it could have been much worse," Nicholson said. "It was a good thing homes near the river were moved."

River water got as much as two feet over the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) Railroad track west of Springfield. Trains did not go through town for 1 1/2 days last Thursday and Friday.

There was no significant damage to train tracks, according to railroad spokesman Lynn Anderson.