Story By: Kelly Garrett
The creek at Orr Park almost always floods anytime there it rains for multiple days.
City of Montevallo Parks and Rec Director Shane Baugh says theres a lot of factors as to why it floods so often.
“There are four creeks that run into this creek plus the water that runs down the hill, there’s really no where for it to go.”
The creek is only about 20 feet across and at the bottom of the hill. So, when water rushes in, the creek rises quickly and spills into the road and the rest of the park.
When this happens the roads become impassable. Baugh says that visitors shouldn’t try to visit the park in this condition.
“People like to come and see the flood water and take pictures, but they really shouldn’t.
The park entrances are blocked off and no one should enter the park if those barriers are in place.
The aftermath of the creek flooding flows into the park and other waterways. Debris, trash, and tree branches fall into the creek from the roads and surrounding areas that in turn litter the waters. The trash could ultimately end up in the ocean by connecting waterways.
The community can help by cleaning up roads and always putting trash in the receptacles provided at the park.
At this time the city doesn’t have any plans to stop the flooding at Orr Park, but they do advise visitors to take precautions when flooding occurs.
Vallo Vision News 