The Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park has been closed due to standing rain water that has affected the parking lot, picnic areas, and trails.
As of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, the park gate was closed and locked with a “Park Closed Temporarily” sign. Conditions at the park will be monitored daily and the park will re-open when the recreational areas are free of standing water and are deemed safe for patrons.
The standing water is due to the high amounts of rain that has not yet drained from the property.
The City of North Port is monitoring water levels closely. City officials report the levels of the Myakkahatchee Creek have been steadily receding and the Creek has not crested. City officials said it is likely that the low-lying areas of the park have hard-packed ground and is not allowing the water to drain fast.
Oaks Park, which is also located along the Myakkahatchee Creek, is dry at this time.
However, Residents also can expect high water levels at a new natural canoe and kayak launch at Butler Park. The launch accesses a bypass canal that runs parallel to the Myakkahatchee Creek. The bypass canal was originally designed to alleviate the impacts of high water levels along the Creek. Water levels are receding.
The City of North Port is not experiencing any flooding in any of its streets or canals. The City continues to monitor all streets for proper drainage.