Arcadia Lake Cleaning Up after Rain, Summer Storms

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Oklahomans looking to enjoy Arcadia Lake over the July 4 weekend may be in luck.

Heavy rainfall flooded the area mid-June. Water still covers some picnic tables and roads, but has receded enough for crews to make significant progress in cleanup efforts.

Crews say the water at Arcadia Lake in Edmond is receding about a foot per day and they've stepped up the pace to clean parks and campsites.

"We're just doing our best to pick it up," said Joel Breeden, maintenance staff for Arcadia Lake. "The heat ain't helping."

Workers who typically collect fees for the parks are instead helping the clean up cause while the lake is closed.

"Styrofoam plates, plastic bottles, volley balls, basketballs, soccer balls, you name it, it washes in here," said Courtney Mathews, an Arcadia Lake employee.

While an official announcement has not been made, those cleaning up the mess believe a good portion of the lake will be open for the holiday weekend.

"If it's not down all the way it will be really close," said Mathews. "With the rate the water is receding, I don't see any reason why not."

If they open, workers warn the ground will still be mushy and a few tables might still be under water so boaters will have to take caution.

"Stay on the pavement, if you're off in the grass most likely you will be stuck," Breeden said.

City officials aren't ready to make an official announcement about whether Arcadia Lake will open, but that should happen in the next few days.

The mess at the lake is yet another reminder to throw trash where it belongs. Crews will hold a volunteer cleanup day the first Saturday in August. Get more details on the Arcadia Lake Sweep.

More: Arcadia Lake Closed After Flood, Storm Damage