Community Flocks to City Park By: Seth Clayton

Community Flocks to City Park

By: Seth Clayton

After being closed down for nearly two years due to flooding, South Beloit’s City Park has been reopened in time for the 2010 summer season.

The flood, which occurred in June 2008, left the park in under three to three and a half feet of water in its deepest areas.

“Crews had been restoring the park for about six weeks,” said South Beloit Mayor Randy Kirichkow. “However, some areas are still fenced off.”

Two sections are still roped off according to City Commissioner Pam Clifton. One area is the football field.

“The field is still very damp. If you dug a hole far enough you’d be in the water,” said Clifton.

Crews have continued to stockpile dirt and fill but are still undecided on what to rebuild.

“I have been talking with the City Engineer and different organizations about bringing in fill to raise the park,” said Clifton. “We plan to use fill from some of the street projects that were going to occur this summer.”

The restoration is still ongoing, according to Clifton. Many trees were lost and grass seed has been replanted around the playground area. Some of the facilities remain unopened due to muddy conditions and portable bathrooms have been brought in as a temporary solution.

The economic ramifications of the flood will continue to affect different organizations this year, as many events have been relocated.

“The flood has affected fundraising for the South Beloit Historical Society as well as the Boys and Girls Club,” said Clifton.

The South Beloit Historical Society has held its annual flea market and car show at City Park every year for 17 years until the 2008 floods brought the event to a halt. This year the event will be held Aug. 1 at South Beloit High School, 245 Prairie Hill Road. The car show, which showcases over 100 antique cars, is expected to raise about $6,000 or $7,000 for the historical society.

“We used to hold our National Night Out at City Park the first Tuesday in August every year,” said Kirichkow. “That event will also be held at South Beloit High School this year.”

Despite these setbacks, City Park is open for fishing and other forms of recreation.

“It’s nice to see the park open again. City Park is one of the most beautiful places in the state line area,” said Kirichkow. “It gives the residence a place to exercise, fish or relax.”

“City Park attracts quite a few tourists from the Janesville, Roscoe and Rockton areas,” said Clifton. “Many visitors come to enjoy the bike path.”

Clifton has been talking with the South Beloit Fire Department about organizing a fishing tournament at City Park as well.

“There are no dates yet, but the tournament will be held late in the summer and proceeds will be split between SBFD and the park,” she said.

There has been a lot of people fishing since the reopening of the park and although most of them have respected the property, some have left trash behind, according to Kirichkow.

“I ask visitors to respect the rules of the park,” he said. “Please do not drink alcohol and remember to throw trash in the proper areas. For now, South Beloit Police are making routine stops at City Park but we are considering hiring a security guard like we had before the flood.”

Kirichkow also suggests that visitors stop by the Veterans Memorial at City Park, which is also opened to the public.

“It is a beautiful tribute to those who have fought for our country,” he said.

“The reopening of City Park means a great deal to the community, especially during hard economic times,” said Clifton. “The park has been busy every day. There are a lot of people fishing and just driving through to see it.”