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....

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.

River Run Park open? No, it's flooded! WTF?

Forsyth MO. - After being informed that the access road off Baker Street in Forsyth Missouri was open, I thought to drive by and maybe drive down into the River Run Park area, a location that had been shut off to the public for over a year.

As I approached the upper entrance to the Park, the gate was indeed open. I did notice the warning sign that the area was flooded. I thought that a bit strange as the Bull Shoals water level was at 655' MSL. That was actually very low as flood levels needed to exceed 670' or more to flood the Park. Well, being the devil may care person that I am, I proceeded bravely down the inclined road towards the Park area proper. But wait! Lo and behold, there was a second series of horse-style barricades all proclaiming the flooded state of the Park! I found that somewhat mystifying, as I could plainly see a semi-dry Park down below. Confounded and confused, I turned around and went back. Perhaps these sign had just been put up, I wondered.

As I motored on back to my home, I ruminated on what was going on with the Corps of Engineers, a group responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of River Run. I concluded that it was one of 4 possibilities; 1) the Park was actually flooded and what I was seeing was an illusion,  2) that the Corps was psychic and foresaw an impending flood yet to come, 3) that the Corps could not afford the proper signage and used what they had or 4) the some individuals in the Corps were perhaps a just a bit psycho.

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!

River Run attendants gone! Will the park flood soon?

Park Attendants location is empty

It's only just the beginning of August, 2013 and it seems the trailer that held the two Park Attendant's has gone missing! This happening right after back to back heavy rains fuels some speculation of possible flooding concerns by the Corps of Engineers. Of course it could be something else and perhaps the attendants will return.

I noticed that it was business as usual on the Shadow Rock Park side of the Bull Shoals river.

Update: August 17, 2013 - After over a week of rainfall, portions of the park are now flooded. However, the rate of rise of the waters has slowed considerably, so in all likelihood, portions of the park may remain open to campers.

Mid March River Run Park Update!

Back to back 80F and 74F degree days on March 15th and 16^th motivated me enough to get outside and to check out the state of affairs in River Run Park located just to southeast of the town of Forsyth Missouri. During the late fall and over the winter, much was done by contractors to get the park back into tiptop shape. Included was the replacement of all of the RV power stations that had become rusted to floods from previous years. Also replaced for many of the sites were the water supply lines and outlets to help insure that every campsite has fresh water available to it.

 

And, even though the park doesn’t open until May the 1^st, there were already a few RV’s and one tent camper there to enjoy the early and unseasonably warm weather. I walked around a bit and noticed that the tress that had been planted the previous fall looked good to go. It’ll be interesting watching them bud out once we get into the warmer months.

You can check out the official site for this park at here!

River Run Campsites now being repaired!

Sites that were without power for 2012 are now being restored!

Water damage to junction boxes rendered them useless.

 After a number of months of delay, additional funds from the Federal Flood Recovery effort became available to allow repairs to electrical junction boxes that were knocked out after extensive flooding inundated the River Run Park area over a period of four years. Included in the ongoing repairs will be new awnings over some of the RV sites along with new electrical junction boxes for as many as sixteen sites that had been without power since last season.

Owner Don Freeland working on site!

I had a chance to talk briefly with the owner of the company that was doing electrical portion of the repair. His name was Don Freeland and his company 'Freeland Electric' operates out of Mountain Home Arkansas. Mr. Freeland informed me that the work was moving along quickly as he and his working staff were putting in long ten hour days in order to restore the campsites to full operational status as soon as possible.

Well, it looks like River Run Park will be back up 100% before the end of the season and just in time for the fall RV crowd to come down and take advantage of the great fishing found in this part of the Bull Shoals waterway near Forsyth Missouri!

Update: As of early September, it now looks as though electrical power has been restored to all the campsites (call them to make sure). There are also a few awning that are being replaced at this time. Other than that, the Park looks good to go!

It’s mid summer at River Run Park!

It’s just after 10AM on a sunny July the 11^th with a temperature standing at 80F (but which is destined to reach 90F before the day is done). And, while the sky overhead is clear, I can see haze along with some scattered cumulus clouds near the horizon.

I’m sitting at campsite #27, one of about a dozen still without power due to flooding that occurred the year before. After the waters finally receded, they had done a number on the power outlet boxes for the campsite that run along the rivers edge. Fortunately, ten other campsites that lie on higher ground were spared and today about half are occupied with RV’s. These sites cost $18 per day and offer both power and water, while the water only sites are going for $9.

It being midweek, the park was not very crowded. Those that were here, however, were taking advantage of the much lower temperatures than what was the regime just a week before. According the weather service, things should be relatively normal for the mid section of the month with daytime readings of about 90 followed by evenings in the low seventies.

It was gratifying to see one of the Corps of Engineer people out repairing the bath house and I hope to hear that all the campsites will be brought back up to code fairly soon. I was also pleased to see that the signs at the entrance of the Park had been refurbished!

Update: Shortly before closing for the winter - all the affect power outlets were removed and replaced! This was done in September and come next spring, the park should be clean and fully functional!

Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

River Run Update – May 2012 – Riverside camping slots now available, but…

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Park Attendants who are volunteering at River Run this season. Her name is Sue and I understand that her and her husband are from the Great State of Texas!

I stopped in the small office located by the entrance to the park to inquire about the condition of the campsites by the river. She confirmed my suspicions that the power was out in all those locations, but that the water was on! Also, these spots can be had for the bargain price of something like $9 per night. Since I have a small power generator to use, that sounded like a great deal.

But wait! There’s more! It also turned out that I’m eligible to apply for a USGS Senior Pass Card that the Corps of Engineers also honors even though they are not required to.  And, that card will afford me half price fare in the park. Now that is a good deal!

  Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

River Run running on half empty?

I have to admit that most of my information concerning the goings on at the River Run Park near Forsyth Missouri is based on conjecture. A term that the dictionary defines as: the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof. So, in effect, much of what I write about concerning this popular camping destination is shear guesswork. That said, there remains some interesting questions about the people who manage this resource, i.e. the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let me cite an example. Recently, I noticed that the Corps installed an under the road counting mechanism near the park attendant’s office. I had to wonder why they'd go to that expense what with the park operating on only about a third of the available sites. There are just ten locations that appear to be open for RV and campers to use. I have to assume the other sites are closed due to corroded power lines damaged from extensive months when the park was flooded. Just more conjecture mind you.

And, even though the camping fees have been jacked up this year, it seems to me that the park must be operating in the red. So, why that counter thingy under the road? Wouldn't it make more sense to fix the power lines going to the other sites first? Yet another secular mystery.

  Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Air Evac in River Run rescue on April 30th

It was just another nice and quiet Monday evening when I heard the sirens off in the distance and then, a short time later, the blades of a rescue helicopter from Air Evac Lifeteam circled over my home before landing in the adjacent River Run Park. I hurried down there and filmed a few of the valiant men and women who devote themselves to helping others when accidents happen. I hope that this individual gets well and recovers soon! View it here on You Tube!

A sign of the times? River Run Park in Missouri.

Click on to enlarge

Entering a park like River Run in Forsyth Missouri, it's nice to have informational signs that can be great aids in knowing what to expect. I'm not sure what this sign tells a visitor, especially anyone being asked to pay for camping. I think the bottom panel once read 'We take pride in our park system'.

July 2012 - The signs have been cleaned - Hurray! Not sure what happened to that bottom panel?

February 1, 2012 Shadow Rock Park Update!

You know, for all the flooding we had in 2011, I have to admit the Shadow Rock and River Run parks both look to be in pretty good shape. I feel this was due, in no little part, to efforts by the volunteers and city workers who spent time earlier this fall to help clean things up.

Today, the first of February it’s 64F outside as I stroll around, camera in hand. For whatever reason, the really cold air has been bottled up way to the north and so we have had a mild winter. I heard on the TV that Chicago has had the mildest winter in over 80 years! (Well, if that city is warm, then you know it’s got to be even warmer this far south)!

Today, there were quite a few people out and about in the area; either driving around in their cars our out in a boat. I was too far from the fishermen to ask how their luck was, but I’m hoping it was fair to middling.

Over on the River Run side, someone has been working on cleaning up the public showers and bathrooms. In addition, most of the driftwood has also been removed, so it looks like it’s getting close to being good to go also.

I know what’s on a lot of people minds as we edge towards spring. That is, will the rains be as heavy as they were last April and May? I can’t tell you what Mother Nature is planning on, but I sure hope not. It’s just that over the last five years, it seems the park has been flooded more often than not.

I’ll try and get another report out later this month. Hope everyone stays warm and dry!

Why I care about River Run Park in Forsyth Missouri!

I have been asked by more than one person, why I post so much information about River Run Park. At the same time, I write very little about either Empire Park or Shadow Rock Park both of which are located in the same general area to the east and south of Forsyth, Missouri.

That answer is really quite simple. Some time ago, I made a decision to try and adopt a park in a fashion that is similar to, but not quite the same as adopting a stretch of road. I did this because I thought it might be informative for those who drive great distances to this location to camp and find recreation. They deserve to be kept informed as it is their park in every sense of the word. So why River Run? Well, off the three parks I mentioned, River Run is the most problematic as it is run solely by the Army Corps of Engineers. A government body not well known, in my opinion, for their ability to communicate freely with a public they are supposed to be serving.

As a case in point, if you were to go to this government web page for River Run, you would find information pertaining to park rates, the park location and even a number to call for more information. Problem is, there is no attendant, the bulletin board listing the rates is gone missing and the phone number rings but is never answered. (Note: this site is listed as 'www.recreation.gov' and is not the official Corps page). Both the other parks are open and serving the needs of the public as usual.

Now as to the current conditions at the park as of October the 8^th, 2001 here is what I have observed:

• The access roads have been scraped off and are clear of river muck from the summer flood.
• The back access otherwise known as Baker Street remains gated.
• The access road to the Powersite dam remains blocked by fallen trees.
• Trees that have fallen as a result of the flood lie where they fell.
• There is damage to numerous park structures, including shelters, lantern poles and campsite tables.
• The grass has not been cut and is currently weed infested.
• There is no posted notice to inform visitors of the current park status. Actually, as I pointed out earlier, there is no bulletin board per sae! Just a sign that lists the rates to camp.
• There is no power, bathroom facilities, water or garbage collection at this time. (This is a guess on my part). So too, is my guess that they don't want anyone camping there. As I was writing this post while at the park, I noticed a large RV pull in and then turn around and pull out. Bye!

That summarizes what I have observed to date, and to be honest, conditions could change at any time. In the past, a contractor might show up out of thin air and put things to right. If I see anything like that, I’ll report it on this blog. This park has suffered a devastating flood that was really no ones fault. In particular the beautiful trees have really suffered the long term submersion of their roots.  So, if you are in the area, I'd encourage you to stop at this park and hug a tree!

As a side note: The Corps does have a Facebook page where you can feel free to leave comments! Please consider 'liking' them and leaving comments that let them know what you think! Remember that the government and the people should work closely together, as we are one and the same!

The entrance to River Run needs widening! Don't ya think?

 Before and after

If you’ve ever had a large RV or boat that you’ve tried to maneuver into the entrance of the River Run Park in Forsyth Missouri, then you know what a challenge it can be. On busy days when people are coming and going, this intersection can become logged piled up resulting in traffic congestion at the least and an accident at the worst.

By widening the entrance as shown here, vehicles towing other vehicles would be able to enter and exit without infringing the other lane. This would promote a smoother and safer flow of traffic.

I am promoting this with the thought that attention to details like this are what separates a mediocre government from an excellent one.And yes, I know...there's no money for this!

River Run Park remains closed in late September 2011!

Even though the great flood of 2011 is now history, the River Run Park remains closed. This popular RV and camping destination located in Forsyth, Missouri is normally crowded this time of year with late season fishermen and retirees who like the area and have been coming here for years. That is not the case this time, even though the grasses have recovered nicely from spending a summer beneath the waves!

As you can see, some structures like both this restroom complex and even Baker Street, look a little the worst for wear and will require some effort and expense to restore to useable shape. I’m guessing that the cost and maybe lack of manpower are two reasons for it to remain unavailable to the public. It’s good to know, however, that its sister park, Shadow Rock, is open a doing good business.

Update: As of October the 5th, the gate that was closed off Hwy 76 is now open. However the gate that exits the park to the west remains closed. I'm not sure why that is... Anyway, the streets in the park have been cleared of the mud and debris that covered some areas and it looks as though some use can be had. Once again, I thought it might be a good idea to contact the Corps to see what's going on as I have not seen any official notifications in the park proper. Later on, I learned that a neighbor did call the Corps office only to be told he needed to submit a letter explaining why the gate needed to be unlocked. He told me when he heard that, he hung up.

Two popular Forsyth area parks are now closed!

After three days of torrential rains, both Shadow Rock and River Run parks are closed for the foreseeable future. After receiving close to a foot of rain over the Easter weekend and with forecasts calling for even more rain in the offing, parks authorities had no apparent choice. One park worker told me that he had heard the river level may rise higher than it did in the flood of 2008!

The closing of the both these locations and especially that of Shadow Rock Park, will put a monkey wrench into many of the planned activities right at a time when so many were planned to take place. While I have not heard anything concrete, I’m sure that some events will be moved to higher ground with announcements of that fact coming soon.

For their part, the National Weather Service is forecasting dry weather next week after one or two more rounds of rain occurring between now and the weekend ending on May the 1^st.

River Run November 2010 Update

Thanks to a 240K federally funded program, River Run Park located just east of the town of Forsyth Missouri, will look better than ever in spite of damage done by flooding over the last few seasons.

According to Brent VanOrder, superintendent of the Redstone Construction Group out of Little Rock Arkansas, over 1,160 tons of asphalt was laid to improve the roads that service campsites throughout the park. In addition, some 60 yards of concrete was poured to renovate the over pass that crosses Silver Creek. A site that was riddled with potholes and other flood related damage. They also leveled and eliminated potholes that encumbered access to the Powersite dam.

As I walked to park on this date, I was impressed. Even during difficult economic times, efforts are still being made to preserve and protect our park system.

River Run Park – A sign of rough financial times?

Living close to the River Run Park in Forsyth Missouri affords me a chance to keep an eye on the goings on in this popular vacation spot. This summer I’ve tried to make it a point to drive through the park every so often just to check things out. In years past, it has been crowded (when it wasn’t flooded) this time of year. I’m sad, however to report that this season, attendance seems to be off a bit. Actually, a lot!

Now it’s true, we’ve had a very hot summer with most of August sporting temperatures in the mid nineties. I’m sure that may have kept some away, even though many of the people who come here do so in state of the art RV’s complete with air conditioning and satellite TV’s. Also, the park has not been maintained as well as in past years and that may have been a turnoff. I’ve noticed that the grass has been allowed to get high enough to go to seed before it’s cut with other areas have been let go all together. To me high grass means lots of bugs. Not sure if that is true though.

To the parks credit, when I was out taking pictures, a company called Loftis Mowing was cutting the grass in selected areas. Even so, there was only a camper or two in the entire park!