Geneva park damage may be worse than first thought
Island Park in Geneva might have sustained more damage than originally thought from last Thursday’s flood, Geneva Park District executive director Sheavon Lambillotte said.
“I did not get a good report this morning,” she said Monday afternoon. She also viewed the park.
Water still covers about three-quarters of the park, she said, and it’s unsafe for officials to enter the entire property.
And it looks like torrents of water washed away much of the work the district did last year on the park’s playground and near the new north bridge. It appears the Fibar engineered-wood chips on the playground are gone, as is soil, sod and natural plantings near the new bridge. Plants in flower beds are a casualty, too.
And there is water under the Fox River Trail, including the section the district repaved last year.
Lambillotte said her staff estimates the park took on more water than it did in the flood of 1997.
“It’s frustrating,” she said.
Elsewhere
The Salvation Army will distribute cleanup kits from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at its community center at 437 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora.
The Salvation Army will also offer long-term flood relief, including emergency financial assistance for furniture, clothing, food, rent and utilities. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For more information, call (773) 205-3520.
North Aurora and Sugar Grove sent requests Monday for residents who experienced damage from last week’s storm to report damage to the village so it can be included in the state’s and Kane County’s applications for federal financial assistance.
Residents should provide their address; the type of building it is; whether they own or rent; the peak depth of flooding in the basement; the peak depth of flooding in the first floor; whether the basement is finished; insurance information; any structural damage; and the cause (river water, sump pump failure or sewer backup).
Reports are due by noon Thursday to Sugar Grove, and by 4:30 p.m. Thursday to North Aurora.
North Aurora residents should call (630) 897-8228, ext. 224. Sugar Grove residents can call (630) 466-4507 to obtain a form.