City of Wausau Closes Some Recreation Areas Due to Flooding

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The city of Wausau has closed several recreation areas near downtown and along the Wisconsin River in anticipation of flooding this week due to snow melt in the Northwoods.

Police Chief Ben Bliven says they're planning ahead in the name of safety. "We review flood plane mapping and with our expectation of Wisconsin River levels, we decided to evacuate the areas underneath the Scott Street Bridge."

Bliven says things may look harmless for now but that will likely change in a day or two. "We don't want people to be at risk if the river get super high and floods the entire area."

He says in situations like this one incident could endanger several people. "Potential medical and/or criminal issues where people need first responders. It may be hard to access them depending on where they are."

The closure began at 1 PM Tuesday and impacts Barker-Stewart Island park, Isle of Ferns Park, and areas under the Scott Street Bridge. Bliven says the closures will last until further notice.

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