The Missouri Department of Conservation is scheduled this week to start the process to repair and reopen the Flamm City Park boat ramp in Arnold, which was damaged by recent flooding.
Spokesman Dan Zarlenga said the MDC was expected to inspect the boat ramp on Monday and then start the repair process.
“We are supposed to send folks out there to get a handle on what needs to be done and how long it might take,” he said. “There are a number of different places we are trying to get to and assess. That is why it is not as quick as we would like it to be, but we are definitely working on it.”
Arnold Parks and Recreation Director Dave Crutchley said about 35 feet at the end of the Flamm City Park boat ramp was washed away by floodwaters earlier this month, and people can’t use the ramp right now to access the Meramec River.
The ramp is part of Flamm City Park, a 36-acre park at 1100 Telegraph Road that borders the Teszars Woods Conservation Area.
He said MDC officials told the city on Nov. 14 that boat ramps and docks throughout Missouri are damaged, which may impact how quickly the Flamm City Park boat ramp is repaired.
Crutchley said the MDC is responsible for the ramp, and the city is responsible for maintaining the grounds around the ramp.
“They (the MDC) are going to do everything they can to get it repaired,” he said. “They are moving pretty quickly. It looks like it is moving forward.”
The ramp was damaged when the Meramec River crested at about 32 feet on Nov. 9 following heavy rain throughout the area.
Crutchley said there is a significant drop from the undamaged portion of the ramp to the rubble that was left behind by the flooding and it is not possible to launch a boat from the ramp unless the water rises to the undamaged portion.
“We have had multiple people call and complain,” he said. “We are suggesting they send a letter to (the MDC) to ask for it to be repaired.”
Crutchley said he understands how important the ramp is to the area.
“I know how many people use the ramp,” he said. “I have had emails from businesses that use it to fish on the Meramec and Mississippi rivers and from people who use it for recreational purposes. It is a big deal. People use that ramp all the time for recreation, sport or their job. I am happy to see (the MDC) are getting out there sooner rather than later to look at it.”
Crutchley said he believes the next closest access point to the Meramec River from Arnold is in George Winter Park, 401 Allen Road, in Fenton.