Red River State Recreation Area to open in May

The seasonal facilities at Red River State Recreation Area (SRA) in East Grand Forks are expected to open on schedule during the first full week in May, despite being underwater just weeks ago.
The park office is now open and camping reservations are being accepted for the 2009 season.
 

“The record flooding this spring made for extra cleanup,” said Gladwin Lynne, park manager, “but the park didn’t sustain any major damage.”
 

That’s because the Red River SRA, which lies between the river and the city’s “invisible flood wall,” was designed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and built to be a model, modern floodplain campground. The sanitation and shower buildings were designed to minimize structural damage in times of high water, and meet all local, state and federal policies regarding structures in a floodplain. Some of the park’s trails consist of mown grass and packed gravel, rather than pavement, in order to minimize flood impacts and associated maintenance costs; and all of the electrical components within the SRA are removable.
 

Work crews have been busy since the flood waters receded, clearing and cleaning the park’s facilities and readying the campground for visitors.
 

Sherlock Park Campground will open to campers on a first-come, first-served basis beginning May 7, with reserved camping available May 15 through Oct. 4. Campers may reserve any of the 72 campsites through the state park reservation service at 866-85PARKS (866-857-2757), online atwww.stayatmnparks.com or by calling the park office.
 

The River Heights Trailhead will be open to the public May 23. The site includes three picnic shelters, two of which may be reserved through the park office, and a modern restroom. The trailhead is located near a handicapped fishing access and entrance to the Greenway bike trail system.
 

The Red Lake River public water access is currently under water, but is expected to be open by mid-May.
 

Red River SRA is part of the Greater Grand Forks Greenway. Located near the Riverwalk Center mall, this unique SRA offers visitors access to outdoor recreational opportunities while still within walking distance of urban shopping and dining experiences.
 

For information, call the park office at 218-773-4950 or visitwww.mnstateparks.info.