MADELIA, MN,
A common complaint this summer in Southern Minnesota this summer?
"It keeps raining! Our park is completely flooded and well I don't think it's going to go down too soon," said Karla Angus of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce.
The Watonwan River has crested in some parts, but in others it's still climbing.
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Take Madelia for example. The portion of the Watonwan that runs through town is still rising, creating flooding conditions at one major park and the local golf course.
Madelia is no stranger to a little spring flooding, it's just the time of year with this one that makes it unique.
"If we get a lot of snow I mean sometimes we have some early flooding but this time of year? No," explained Angus. Usually the park is beautiful and we're able to use it and it is a beautiful park but this year is a different year."
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At this point, there's not much the community can do besides wait for the water to retreat back inside the river banks.
Some parts of the Watonwan River have risen more than nine feet. Both Watona Park and the Madelia Golf Course have been completely flooded out. For perspective, the water is nearly halfway up the garage doors of a building located in the park.
"We're having an emergency meeting tonight to make some new plans, hopefully we won't have to cancel," said Angus. "We'll just try to find a new location, maybe on Main Street."
Park Days is the annual town festival Madelia throws every summer. Slated for the weekend of July 13th, city officials will need the water to move out of the park and the grass area to dry in a matter of a couple weeks to avoid moving the festival.
--KEYC News 12