KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffJohnson's Shut-ins on Track for Complete Re-Opening
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Johnson's Shut-ins on Track for Complete Re-Opening
By: Crystal Britt
REYNOLDS COUNTY, MO. - Two and a half years after massive flooding, things are really starting to look up at the Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. The park just might even be better than before.
It's a place to relax and enjoy nature, or be adventurous.
"I think it looks awesome since all the pictures I've see since the wash out," said park visitor Ashlyn Mattingly.
She's talking about a huge local disaster when the upper Taum Sauk reservoir on Proffit Mountain breached sending more than a billion gallons of water rushing through the park. A lot was lost, including the campground, an amphitheater, and more.
This is just the second summer for swimming since the flooding. Many other areas remain restricted.
"Visitation's been down quite a bit, but been pretty good on the weekends. We've been running 14 to 1500 people per day on Saturday and Sunday," said Jeff Ayers, the park manager.
"(We) just couldn't wait to get down here and see what it looked like," said visitor Chip Jones. "It's just beautiful, the river's a lot wider than it used to be, but the preservation they're doing is remarkable."
You'll find improvements like a new boardwalk and new benches. Plus, in the works is a new campground and orientation center. Crews hope to finish the job by next May.
"Everybody's been working hard to get it back on course and we're excited about getting to next summer and having the people come back," said Ayers.
There is still time to enjoy the park this summer. The swimming area's open until August 24th.
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