(Warren County, IA) -- A popular state park in Iowa remains closed due to recent heavy rains. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says Lake Ahquabi State Park, south of Indianola will not re-open until mid-July. Heavy rain last week caused washouts and erosion. Parts of the park have been closed since last summer for upgrades. Crews have been working on roads and parking lots, upgrading campground electrical systems, and working on the beach house and lodge.
The DNR says the area received nearly 3.5 inches of rain last Thursday, causing small-scale flooding. The rain washed out gravel from camping pads, newly seeded grass areas, and the final grading of the beach parking lot, which was set to be paved in a few days.
Currently, the park is closed to visitors, with the scheduled reopening delayed by at least two weeks, from late June to mid-July. Additionally, the beach area could be postponed for opening until August due to delays in the construction of a lift station for restroom operations.