Big Lake reopens after May flooding

MOUND CITY, Mo. -- Big Lake State Park has reopened weeks after flooding closed the park.

Big Lake, northwest of St. Joseph along the Missouri River, was flooded when a levee broke in early May. The state park reopened Friday.

Park manager Gary Parker said tons of debris had to be cleared away, although only two buildings, both of them restrooms, were flooded. Workers also had to remove sludge, Parker said.

When the barriers came down and the park opened at 8 a.m. Friday, several campers were ready to set up. All the cabins and suites were filled, leaving just a few motel rooms at the park.

Alice Latham and her husband, Roger, brought their grandchildren for the weekend.

"The park's clean, beautiful, safe and flat," said Alice Latham. "That means kids can bicycle and skate in a safe environment."