In this article from yesterday’s Bee we see the effects of winter storms that render one of the most popular areas of the Parkway unusable. It is doubly unfortunate as it is an area most utilized by many of the poorer communities adjacent to it, who have few options for recreation.
This is part of the reason we have called for a new dam on the American River, to protect the integrity of the Parkway, and just another small reason, in addition to the very large one of protecting the Sacramento region from major flooding, to consider a dam.
Here is an excerpt.
Waters, debris recede at last
A Discovery Park cleanup clears the way for eager users.
By M.S. Enkoji -- Bee Staff Writer Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, May 13, 2006
After months underwater, Discovery Park will emerge from its watery winter hibernation this weekend and reopen for boaters and picnickers eager to get outdoors.
Since Christmas, the park at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers has spent more time underwater than as a regional recreation attraction.
A Sierra snowpack super-sized by heavy winter storms is melting into swollen rivers and reservoirs downriver, and it has kept the park submerged longer than usual.
Things aren't exactly showroom-ready, said Dave Lydick, chief ranger for the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks. But part of the park will reopen this weekend after county crews spent the week cleaning debris from the park and along the bike trail west of Del Paso Boulevard, he said.
The main portion of the park with access from Richards Boulevard will be open, Lydick said. The boat ramp is also expected to emerge from the receding river.
But some areas are still underwater and other parts are litter-strewn.
