Elizabethton Community Gears Up for Park Restoration After Flooding
Elizabethton is gradually picking up the pieces in the aftermath of severe flooding caused by the Doe River on September 27. Just a week prior, the city was bustling with joy during the Covered Bridge Days, a beloved annual festival filled with laughter, music, and inflatable rides for kids. Families flocked to enjoy the festivities, unaware of the devastation that was about to unfold just days later.
From Celebration to Cleanup
During the Covered Bridge Days festival, Edwards Island was alive with the sounds of children having a blast on inflatable attractions. Unfortunately, this cheerful scene turned to chaos when the river overflowed, resulting in a catastrophic flood that left behind a trail of destruction. City officials quickly sprang into action as debris ranging from fallen trees to heavy picnic tables littered the parks.
David Nanney, the director of Elizabethton’s Parks and Recreation Department, shared that the storm delivered more than just fallen branches and mud—it uprooted a community. “The flood stripped away hundreds of feet of asphalt walkway, leaving us with a huge mess to tackle,” he explained. Yet, the town came together in a remarkable show of resilience and compassion.
A Hub of Support
In the face of adversity, the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Center transitioned from a recreational hub to an essential support area for residents affected by Hurricane Helene. From September 28 onward, the center operated as a distribution point for vital supplies, including water and non-perishable foods. “We turned the gymnasium into a supply depot where over 80 volunteers worked tirelessly from dawn to dusk,” remarked Nanney, proud of the community spirit and teamwork displayed during this challenging time.
The operation at the center was nothing short of remarkable. As items continued to pour in from generous donors, additional supplies were flown in from various states. “It was incredible; we received 16 plane loads in just one day,” Nanney recalled, illustrating the outpouring of support from surrounding communities.
Assessing the Damage
With the distribution mission winding down and Elizabethton’s spirit shining brighter than ever, attention has now turned to the damages sustained by the city parks. Following the federal disaster declaration on October 3, City Manager Daniel Estes instructed Nanney to assess the flood’s impact. The parks department is now in the midst of filing reports to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while planning to restore the parks to their former glory.
Much of the damage has been concentrated around popular areas such as Cat Island and Edwards Island. Unfortunately, the once vibrant ball fields at Cat Island Park are left in ruins, covered in debris and rocks washed in by the raging floodwaters. “The flood left us with about 60 dump-truck loads of massive rocks,” Nanney reported, indicating the extensive nature of the cleanup effort required to restore the fields for sports activities.
A Bright Future Ahead
While the road to recovery will take time, Nanney and his team are optimistic. Some parks, like Lions Field and Kiwanis Park, have emerged from the storms with little damage, allowing them to focus on immediate tasks like replenishing playground mulch and general maintenance.
“We’ve already started painting sections inside the Tetrick Center and a new heating and air-conditioning unit has been ordered,” added Nanney, instilling hope for a swift recovery.
Community Spirit Unyielded
Elizabethton has long been a community known for its strength, and this most recent crisis has showcased an extraordinary capacity for unity and support. While recovery efforts continue, residents remain optimistic, eager to see their parks restored and functional again. If the past few weeks are any indication, the spirit of Elizabethton is far too strong to be dampened by a little water.
As the Parks and Recreation Department gears up for restoration, there is an even greater sense of anticipation surrounding the city’s bustling parks now waiting to witness those happy memories being made once again.
