Recent flooding is not only having an impact on some resident’s Fourth of July plans but also could have economic impacts for state parks.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism has reported many state parks have limited space due to the flooding. This includes Eisenhower State Park where all swimming beaches have been closed and Fall River where, according to Ron Kaufman of KDWPT, there are only six primitive camping sites available. He explains those areas are available on a first come first serve basis and all available cabins are already booked for Fourth of July.
The limited space has led KDWPT to refund money to individuals who booked spaces in advance. Kaufman says he recently spoke with staff at Fall River who tell him they are “losing money hand over fist.”
Kaufman explains losing this cash flow has a significant impact on their bottom line as the majority of state parks are “fee funded.”
Kaufman adds the full scope of the economic impact to the state park system is entirely dependant on how long areas remain closed due to the flooding. For more information visit KSoutdoors.com.
