Colchester, IL – Argyle Lake State Park is still trying to recover from the damage caused by storms on the first day of summer.
The high winds and heavy rainfall caused trees to topple, creeks to overflow, and the lake level to rise dramatically.
Site Superintendent Robin Hinchee says all of the park's trails are closed. In addition, the road around the lake is damaged and part of it remains blocked off, and one of the four campgrounds cannot be used.
Hinchee says safety is the number one concern. He cautions the damage is not always readily apparent.
Hinchee is urging people to stay out of the restricted areas until the repairs and cleanup can be completed.
Hinchee hopes the state will approve an emergency appropriation to help pay for the cleanup and repairs.
You can listen to an interview with Argyle Lake State Park Site Superintendent Robin Hinchee by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Hinchee says parts of the park are still open. Three of the campgrounds can be used, the concession stand and park office are open, and boaters can use the lake.
*Hinchee hopes enough progress can be made in the next week to open some of the trails. Dry weather would also help. He says in some areas, the ground remains too soft and spongy for hiking.
*Park workers are doing a lot of the recovery work, such removing downed trees and clearing log jams. Outside help will be brought in to repair the road, which sustained structural damage.
*Hinchee has been site superintendent for about three-and-a-half years.