Flooding concerns dominated the Franklin Park Board Meeting on April 17, 2025, as officials provided updates on the recent floods that impacted local parks. The amphitheater, which had never flooded before, experienced water levels rising to the steps but did not sustain significant damage. "It did exactly what we wanted it to," stated a board member, emphasizing that the park was designed to temporarily hold floodwaters, preventing more extensive flooding in the city.

While the amphitheater fared well, the flooding did destroy the fence around the yellow playground at Province Park, which had been in place for 15 years. The board decided not to replace it, as plans are in motion to relocate the playground away from the creek to avoid future flood damage. The cost to replace the fence was estimated at $25,000, which the board deemed unnecessary given the playground's impending relocation.

Cleanup efforts were also discussed, with Community Park suffering the most damage. Thick mud covered the pickleball and basketball courts, delaying cleanup efforts. The board hopes that upcoming rain will assist in washing away the debris. Additionally, flood debris, including corn stalks and a missing porta potty, was reported, with officials urging the community to report any sightings of the lost equipment.

In a related discussion, the board reviewed playground replacement options for Payne Park, considering designs from three different companies. Community feedback indicated a desire for swings, which were included in some of the proposed designs. The board plans to gather more input from residents before making a final decision, with funding expected to be approved at the upcoming city council meeting.

Overall, while the flooding presented challenges, the board expressed confidence in their preparedness and the resilience of the park infrastructure. The meeting concluded with hopes for a long stretch without further flooding issues.