The new Test Road Trailhead was completely covered by floodwaters Aug. 12 that left downed trees, limbs, debris and muck. But that was a big win for the parks department.
Denise Retz, Richmond’s parks superintendent, said the new amenities performed exactly as designed and emerged undamaged. The unfortunate flooding provided a test that built confidence in designs for the next phases of the Whitewater Gorge Park activation project.
Retz said the shelter, overlook and more were designed for the exact scenario that occurred during sustained rains Aug. 12. A stringent permit process helps ensure parks near waterways stand up to floods.
The swinging pedestrian bridge near Veterans Memorial Park, however, did not fare so well when struck by a log carried by the elevated Whitewater River. It was left crumpled.
Retz called the bridge “an icon” and said it would return. The activation project’s next phase calls for work at the former Weir Dam location, right near the bridge. Its rejuvenation can be included in the planned project. Retz just asked for some patience as the project unfolds.
She also requested patience as parks crews clean up and make parks safe again. Retz said those near the Whitewater River — Freeman, Bicentennial, Springwood, the gorge and Starr-Gennett — were most impacted by floodwaters. She urged visitors to stay behind barricades until the areas are again safe. Some park amenities will require repair, but much of the work involves clearing debris and cleaning dirt and muck.
“We feel pretty lucky right now,” Retz said, expressing that her heart goes out to area residents sustaining damage to homes and businesses. “Parks we can work through and get through whatever needs to happen to get cleaned up.”
A version of this article will appear in the August 19 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
