The Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC), the entity responsible for management of the Memphis riverfront is closing Mud Island River Park beginning today due to flooding.
The service road between the Mud Island Roundabout and Mud Island River Park has taken on water significant enough to cause concern for vehicles and pedestrians. While visitors and staff could enter the river park via the East Terminal or main entrance on Front Street, emergency vehicles would be unable to safely access the area. Without emergency access, the RDC cannot allow the park to remain open to the public.
All events scheduled for the next seven days at Mud Island River Park, including those at River Terrace and Harbor Landing, are canceled. The RDC will update the closings on a go-forward basis based on road conditions.
The Memphis Yacht Club, which operates from Mud Island River Park, will modify its operations. The RDC will allow members of the Memphis Yacht Club to access the marina from the East Terminal, using the monorail walkbridge to Mud Island River Park or via a temporary water shuttle that the marina might operate between the dock and Jefferson Davis Park.
Mississippi River water is also encroaching into the riverwalk model at Mud Island River Park causing the Gulf of Mexico area to overflow its banks. To maintain a safe environment, the RDC is having the power cut off to the south end of the river park. Earlier this week, the RDC evacuated the maintenance compound at Mud Island River Park and turned off the power there as well.
The RDC is keeping a close watch on the Mississippi River Museum. While the elevations show the Museum to be above the predicted crest, we are taking every precaution to stave off any flooding that might lead to a loss of the important artifacts housed in the Museum.
The Mississippi River is expected to crest on Wednesday, May 11th and remain at +48 on the Memphis gauge for five to seven days thereafter. As long as there is significant standing water on the service road, Mud Island River Park will remain closed to the public. The RDC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors.
For more information on the affects of the flood along the Memphis riverfront, visit www.memphisriverfront.com.
Contact: Dorchelle T. Spence, Director of Communications – (901) 312-9190
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