News Summary

Radford City is grappling with severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which submerged cherished recreation areas like Bisset Park and Riverview Park. With an estimated $2 million in damages, residents are concerned for their community as recovery efforts begin. Despite the chaos, park amenities are reopening, sparking hope for residents. The city seeks FEMA assistance, and ongoing communication is key to recovery efforts as the community comes together to restore their outdoor spaces.

Radford City Faces Challenges After Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Flooding

The charming city of Radford has found itself in a state of distress following the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, which brought an overwhelming amount of rain, resulting in severe flooding. Many beloved recreation areas have been left underwater, causing worry and sadness among city residents who cherish these outdoor spaces.

Bisset Park and Riverview Park Underwater

Bisset Park, a popular spot for families, joggers, and nature lovers, was one of the hardest-hit areas. Residents watched in disbelief as the park became completely submerged. Other community areas like Riverview Park, Veteran’s Field, and the New River Sports Complex also suffered extensively during the storm. The floodwaters from the New River reached a staggering level, marking the city’s second-highest recorded flood, which has left many scratching their heads in concern.

Costly Damage and Recovery Efforts

The city’s estimated damage from Hurricane Helene is around $2 million. Such a significant amount underscores just how much this flooding has affected the community. The dog park and the newly renovated pickleball courts were not spared; they too experienced significant destruction. Residents who had just begun enjoying the updated facilities are now faced with the reality of needing repairs before they can play again.

Reopening and Community Resilience

Despite the chaos, city officials are rolling up their sleeves to start the clean-up process and bring some normalcy back to the city. Thankfully, some areas of Bisset Park have recently reopened for public use, providing a glimmer of hope for those looking to enjoy time outdoors amidst the lingering devastation. With the lighting restored at Bisset Park, evening strolls and visits feel a bit safer for park-goers.

Animal Shelter Discussions and Community Spirit

In a broader sense, discussions are taking place regarding the potential relocation of the Radford Animal Shelter, which was also affected. Amid all the issues stemming from the storm, the community is rallying together, determined to rebuild and restore their beloved recreation spaces. Residents like Brandinn Valentine are encouraging their neighbors to visit the parks again, highlighting the stunning beauty of the river that flows through the area.

Voices from the Community

Local college students, including Radford University students like Michael Lester, expressed their shock at the sheer extent of the flooding and damage. With the pickleball and tennis courts recently renovated, it is evident that the community had a lot of hopes riding on those facilities, making their loss even more poignant.

Looking Forward: FEMA and Communication with Residents

The city is now looking to seek reimbursement through FEMA for the damages incurred during the storm. Ongoing communication from city officials aims to keep residents updated on flood awareness and safety measures as the recovery efforts continue. With discussions in progress and recovery well underway, officials are hopeful that parks and recreation facilities will return to their former glory within the next year.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Radford City stands resilient, focused on restoring the community’s cherished outdoor spaces. While the floodwaters may have caused destruction, they have also uncovered the strength of the community and its commitment to support one another through tough times.

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Additional Resources

• PC Patriot: Goens to Serve as Radford’s Director of Parks and Recreation
• WDBJ7: Radford’s Bissett Park and Recovery Efforts
• WSLS: Radford’s Recreation Faces Long Recovery After Floods
• WSET: New River in Radford Expected to Reach Near Record Levels
• Google Search: Radford Hurricane Helene floods