Published: May 09, 2009 09:56 am      

Ivey Park gets a scrubdown; set to reopen soon

Many areas of the county were underwater during the flood and Ivey Memorial Park in Branford was no exception. The park has been closed for several weeks but is expected to re-open soon following cleanup efforts.

The Branford Public Works Department shoveled out dirt and mud and the Branford Volunteer Fire Department hosed down the pavement and sea wall.

"We've probably hauled ten 10-wheeler loads of dirt out of here so far," said Branford Public Works Director Cole Timberlake on Friday.

Timberlake said the park was about 8-9 feet underwater due to recent flooding.

Branford Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Yates said workers pumped water out of the boat ramp area to spray down pavement and the park's sea wall.

"We recycled the water," he said.

Yates said 700,000 gallons of water had been pumped out the time his crew assisted in the cleanup effort.

Timberlake said the flood caused some erosion to the sea wall.

"We lost a chunk of it down there," he said, adding his workers will make repairs.

Officials had cleaned the parking lot, picnic areas and part of the boat ramps as of Friday. They will wait till the water recedes before finishing the boat ramps and the dock.

Timberlake said the park should be reopened in about a week.