Questions concerning Bull Shoals and two parks!

 

Forsyth Mo. - As March of 2021 was drawing to a close, the status of two popular are parks near the town of Forsyth Missouri remained open to question!

River Run, a parks controlled by the government and Shadowrock Park, a recreational area leased from the government stand apart from each other by a narrow body of water. One is partially flooded while the other, graced with a bit of height, stood high and dry. The question, in my mind, on March 30^th, was one of water levels... will they rise on April, fall or stay the same? 

 

Assorted Forsyth area topics!

Area Parks

Over the past two years, Bull Shoals has flooded out a couple of area parks that I really like to frequent! Both Shadowrock Park (SRP) and River Run, spent the past two summers under the waves, with the most recent flood lake level clearly shown on the fence near a baseball field.

In both years, heavy rains in early and late March began the flood cycle in earnest. Cleanups that generally occurred in October have been costly with Forsyth losing any potential for income from their 99 year lease on SRP. Sadly, this situation is very likely to repeat itself in the future.

On a beautiful day in early October, I stopped to enjoy a lunch while watching a few boaters try their luck at catching fish. I was surprised to not see many others in similar pursuits either on the shore or on the water. I would encourage local residents to take advantage of a run of pleasant temps that should hold out through at least mid month. Yes, the parks are a bit dirty and dusty and will have to await the next good rain to get washed off, but overall most every thing was in good shape.

I did talk briefly with a representative of Forsyth concerning the cleanup of the roads and was told that 'nature would take care of that'. So, at least one park should be available for use (River Run was closed) for those who might want to take advantage on through the fall and coming winter months. Then, in March of 2021, we will see what happens...

New TCAD building!

Reducing area response times for ambulance services was the driving force behind the new building being erected at the former location of the Park Place convenience store. A site near the round-about on Highway 160/76. Construction was moving along at a rapid pace, it seemed to me and I was guessing that the building would be realdy by December.

I apologise for the terrible formating that this Goole owned site, which used to be excellent, has devolved into...

Playgrounds ordered closed by the City of Forsyth!

Forsyth MO. - Local City of Forsyth officials have ordered area playgrounds closed for the foreseeable future due to worries about the Coronavirus outbreak! A spokesperson confirmed this order by phone, will also indicating that the Shadowrock Park area would remain open, until it was forced to close due to expected flooding.

Meanwhile, local fishermen were in wide abundance due to so many not currently working.

The author planned to visit the parks for as long as they remained open as this would likely be the last time for the 2020 season.

Why the area parks may be in trouble for 2020!

Bull Shoals lake levels for 2019 versus 2020

Forsyth MO. - Even as it was only mid January, 2020, I had a gnawing suspicion that two area parks; Shadowrock and River Run just might already be in trouble.

Jan 18, 2020 - The rainfall number had already begun to pile up with my rain gauge showing 4.29 inches versus a monthly normal of 3.24 inches, I could see that the Bull Shoals Lake level was already trending higher that it had the year before!

Compounding the potential for problems were the two up stream reservoirs, Beaver and Table Rock that were 5 and 4 feet about normal levels! And, with the National Weather Service hinting at regions wide rains of anywhere from a half inch to an inch and a half next weekend, you can see why I feel the way I do.

Thankfully, we do have some time to go prior to the spring season and there's always a chance that the skies will dry up a bit over the next couple of months....

While watching two area parks sink beneath the waves...

Entrance to Shadowrock Park!

Forsyth MO. - On what was likely to be one of my last drives through Shadowrock Park, located near Forsyth Missouri, I couldn't help but to lament the loss of a great recreational area....once again.

With the Bull Shoals water level at at little over 677 feet (normal levels would be 659), I could see that very soon the only access road was likely to be covered with water. Just before that happened, the city authorities would close and lock the two gates that allowed traffic to flow through. And when that happens, the area will be minus two of the three parks that give so much pleasure to so many during better times.

Picnic canopies nearly covered!

Over across the way, the other park aka River Run had been inundated for a week or more as it was located at a slightly lower elevation. And now, with Shadowrock disappearing, that left only Empire Park to for boating, fishing and walking. So, who or what was to blame?

Empire Park always is high & dry!

When you factored in the fact that most of southwest Missouri had experienced near normal amounts of rainfall, one had to go a bit further afield to understand exactly why things were just slightly sideways. And, that search need go no further than northwest Arkansas where the Bull Shoals dam is located and which empties out into what amounts to a large stream. (A 'stream' that meanders its way down to the Mississippi River which is currently experiencing its own problems resulting from floods in the central and northern tier of states)! So, one could say that in cases were other states get excessive rainfall, that sort of event will sometimes (always) also impact the trio of lakes (Beaver) Tablerock and Bull Shoals) where I live.

In my view, this is not a very good state of affairs, not only for the Tri-Lakes area but also for other areas that were suffering even worse problems. I wonder if anyone, say the Corps of Engineers, has a clue as how to improve things in the future.

Swap Meet! FORR!

Mark your calendars!

Forsyth MO Tri-Park Report!

Forsyth MO. – What is likely to be a rare event for me, I planned to to do a spring report on three area parks located in and around Forsyth Missouri.

Empire Park - 36.657478, -93.132045

Water flowing over Powersite dam!

Covered picnic area!

Just down Hwy Y off Route 160 in Forsyth Missouri lies a very well maintained park under the management of Empire Electric (aka Liberty Utilities out of Canada). The park features a boat ramp, walking paths, picnic tables and bathrooms. This is a great location to go spend a nice day near the waters of Lake Taneycomo.

As of April 12, 2019, the water level was at 701.36' or just about normal. Just a short walk along a path to the east of the park is Powersite dam, one of the first hydroelectric dams built in Missouri way back in 1913. Fishing opportunities are excellent both above and below the dam! I like this location to go and have a nice walk and then eat lunch.

Shadowrock Park - 36.683734, -93.103948 40+ spots   (417) 546-2876

Shadowrock Park is split in half by Hwy 160. That has resulted in two really different sorts of experiences with the northern half being composed of a playground, a bath house, tennis courts and basketball courts. Swan creek also runs along one side. The younger crowd seems to prefer this area.

Southern end of SR is peaceful!

The southern half of Shadowrock Park has plenty of RV spots available many of which have power, sewage hookups and water. There is also a recreational area where many activities are held all during the warm part of the year. In addition, there is a baseball diamond, boat ramp, a horse riding area along with modern flush toilet bathrooms. Towards the back of the park is an area with a second bathroom and dump station. A great place to bring your RV or even to go tent camping at! The park is leased and managed by the City of Forsyth and does have an attendant (Melvin) on site during the regular season starting in early April through November 1.

River Run Park - 36.681015, -93.102669  30+ spots   (417) 546-3646

River Run seen in this photo!

If Shadowrock is filled up, there is a sort of sister Park just across Bull Shoals lake that is managed by the Corps of Engineers. River Run is where many really serious fishermen go to launch their boats and have their RV's in spacious slots that come complete with electric power and water. There's a dump station close to the entrance, also. So, pretty much no matter what, you'll end up with a good selection of spots to set up and to enjoy nature! Update: April 16 - Park was accessible but there are no bathrooms, power or water.

Forsyth area parks looking great! Shadowrock Park is open!

Forsyth Mo. - Early April and with the temps flirting at 70 plus, I decided to walk around one of two area parks to see if I could access their state of readiness. Bull Shoals Lake was at near normal levels and rain chances, through the middle of April, looked to be close to normal. So, flooding was not really a concern at the time.

While standing in Shadowrock Park, I looked over across the water to River Run (138 River Run Forsyth, MO 65653), a sister park area that was a bit more upscale as it was more expansive and had toilets and showers centrally located. Earlier in the week, I'd observed crews working on them, presumably to get them prepared for the vacationers that were sure to arrive. I tried calling the Park's official phone number at (417) 546-3646, and while it did ring - no one ever answered. However, I had seen campers already using one or two of over thirty RV sites that were equipped with water, electric (both only in-season) and canopies.
Road

Meanwhile, over at the Shadowrock Park location (715 Park Way, Forsyth, MO 65653), I discovered that this park had opened on April the 2nd. You can reach the park attendant by calling (417) 546-2876! He told me that the newly installed concrete RV pads had working water, electric and sewage.

River Run Park reopens along with other select topics!

A 'close to spring' sun peaks thru early morning clouds!

Forsyth MO. - Will wonders ever cease? Just one day before the start of Spring and River Run, a popular park area near Forsyth Missouri was once again open after being closed for some period of time! And, the water levels had gone down to near normal levels! Just how long either were to last was open to question. That said, I visited all three local parks in the immediate area; River Run, Shadowrock and Empire Parks and found them to be looking great.

River Run Park

The only, short term problem I could see, was the paving work going on at the newly constructed roundabout at the intersections of Hwy 76 and 160. That should, however, be wrapped up very soon and then everything would appear to be set for locals and vacationers to come and enjoy activities like camping and fishing for which the area has been very popular over the years.

Shadowrock Park Mar 28

Update: Mar 26 - Bull Shoals lake was back down to 'normal' full pool levels and the roundabout was looking great. Shadowrock Park was also looking good when I drove through it at couple of days later!

Following are a few notes concerning area locales and businesses:

Charlies - This venue which had been up for sale for over two years was currently off the market and apparently not for sale. That was speculation on my part, but they had not been listed on the local real estate boards to the best of my knowledge, after canceling their contract with KW in late February... Update: April 2019 - I talked to a knowledgeable source and was informed that the owner family decided to try and sell the place themselves. The 4300 square foot establishment's asking price was still at $850K last I heard.

Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant - I drove by on this post date and saw no activity at the new location. The property was looking great with the signage and all, just no sign indicating when they might be opening. Also, no one was answered the phone, when I tried calling that same day in the early afternoon hour. There was also nothing that I could find on their Facebook site that mentioned an opening date. So, while they do serve up a great cuisine, maybe their front office could use a quick make-over.... Update: Oaxaca to re-open Wednesday March 27, 2019. Update: Check out my Mar 28 review!

Shadowrock Lodge - I spoke briefly, with the ownership of the Lodge, and was told that while progress was being made to open the bar, needed benchmarks were still yet to happen. So, while the Cafe/Hotel will likely open eventually, it remained a question of the pwnership getting some additional improvements made before that could take place.

Bull Shoals Lake level - Even as water was being released from the Powersite Dam and even as the current Bull Shoals water level was just two feet above the normal pool or operating levels, I still had some concern for levels at Beaver Lake which was also riding at two feet above normal. With improving conditions in Arkansas after a record setting period of late fall 2018 rains, things were looking to get back to normal. In additional, long range forecasts for regional rainfall for southwest Missouri did not look all that bad! These facts gave me the hope that both Shadowrock and River Run Parks would stay dry through at least the early spring period. (The bottom line was for everyone to get out and enjoy them as soon as the weather warms up)!

Update: Mar 26 - All three reservoirs were nearing 'normal' levels for the time of year. That be very good news!

Peggy's Park Place features new Nacho Machine!

Forsyth MO. - I recently discovered that Peggy's Park Place located at 17463 US-160 in Forsyth MO had just installed a new hot 'Nachos' cheese machine! For about $4 bucks you can take your chose of any of the 3 1/2 ounce bags of Tostitos, Fritos or Cheetos and cover them in specially made bags. Just zip one open, hold it under the spout and hit the button. Wow!

 Peggy's Park Place is located near the intersections of 160-76. questions can be answered bu calling 417-546-6845 during normal business hours!

Cabin deemed a safety hazard!

Forsyth, Mo -- This excerpt is from KSPR 33 - A piece of history in the Ozarks is now a safety hazard.

Yellow caution tape now surrounds the iconic homestead at Shadow Rock Park in Forsyth. After almost 50 years in that location right next to the water, city officials say it's seen at least 20 floods and now they have deemed it unsafe.

The homestead cabin was originally built in 1886. That makes it 131 years old. It was restored and moved to Shadow Rock Park in 1969.

While it was an actual house historical experts say there isn't a lot of the original features left. They even call it a “replica.”

City officials have been keeping a close eye on the building over the past few years.

“Over the years, we’ve inspected it after each flood and seen that each time it's gotten a little worse. This time we've had the historical society look at it, we've had FEMA look at it and we've had several people who know cabins have looked at it and they’ve all agreed it’s in disrepair to either repair or to move,” said Forsyth Public Works Director Chris Robertson.

The City of Forsyth wants to hear what you think they should do with the building. They are open to options and are going to be talking about that at Monday night’s city council meeting.

A call was made to City Hall to inquire in what manner should interested parties communicate with the council and was told that someone would get back to me.... I'll post an update when that happens...

Update: I received a callback from Public Works Director Chris Robertson who divulged to me that there were a couple of options already being considered. He indicated that a final decision would be made at the October 13th Council meeting. In the meantime, Mr. Robertson urged me to tell one and all, that if they would like to offer constructive opinions as to what to do with the building, to please give him a call at 417-251-1380 during regular business hours.

Sluggish economy noticeable in small towns!

River Run Park, Forsyth MO

Forsyth MO. – As the country continue to grind along at a snails pace, the effects are beginning to be plainly seen even in the small town of Forsyth Missouri where I currently reside. Most notable was the relatively bare parks near where I live. Both Shadowrock and River Run are normally pretty full by this time of year, but as you can see that were rather empty in the mid week shot. I also noticed

Prime Time, Forsyth MO

that area restaurants seemed to be less busy than I remember them being last year, but that could be my imagination. What isn't my imagination, was the report in the local newspaper that tax receipts were down quite a bit for the month compared to years past. Fuel costs, (due in part to the problems in the Middle East) were also on the rise and could spike past the $6 a gallon mark if things go really sideways internationally.

So, things have been very quite early this summer of 2014. I haven't heard even one firecracker go off in my subdivision, and that concerns me more than anything else!

Shadowrock Park In Forsyth Missouri

Not many parks in Missouri have the history like that of Shadowrock. At times it has been the location of the town of Forsyth before dams up river forced it to relocate up the hill a couple of miles. During the Civil War, a brief battle was fought as Union troops bombarded the Court House as Confederates briefly held the position.

Today, the park which is neatly divided in half by Highway 160 has all manner of attractions including; tennis courts, playgrounds, a ball park, Rodeo and even places to camp and picnic. One section, close to the Bull Shoals River, has full RV hookups. If the park gets too full, there is another right across the bridge called River Run which can accommodate RV’s and tent campers.

Adding to the appeal of this recreational Park are numerous events held during the summer months. These include Car Shows, motorcycle swap meets, County Fairs, Demolition Derbies and cardboard boat races to name a few. As a matter of fact, this July 17th will see one of my all time favorite events; the BBQ Cook-off. Just imagine the smells of all sorts of meats being cooked slowly to perfection and what that will do to an appetite. This is something I look forward to all year long. It will be billed as a Forsyth Fun Day and will host entertainment along with the ever popular cardboard boat races.