Like most parks that border the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, floodwater has come and gone from Tuthill Park. But that means the work is just beginning.
Large logs and branches litter the edges, and as of yet, crews are yet to get to them.
"Parks are still, the ground is still soft so we haven't been able to get in and get a lot of the tree branches and logs and things like that out," Parks Operations Manager Kelby Mieras said.
Mieras says that should change in the next few days with the cooperation of some dry weather. Cleaning up from flooding is something he expects every spring. "We pretty well plan for it, we hope it doesn't happen. But we're prepared to clean up from it when it does because it's not if, it's when," Mieras said.
At nearby Spencer Park, the dog park is better suited for catfish, and the bike trail remains roped off. Parks and Recreation crews are waiting for that water to dry up before cleaning the debris from fences and re-opening the park. But now, those crews are hoping for a dry spring and minimal flooding.
"We keep an eye on it so we know or have an idea how bad it may get," Mieras said.
They'll be sure to be watching this weekend when the Big Sioux will rise once again.
