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DeGray Lake Resort reopens, braces for stormy weather

Record flooding has park rangers feeling cautious about this weekend's forecast.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (KTHV) - The lodge at DeGray Lake Resort State Park just outside Arkadelphia reopened Friday evening after record flooding closed the lodge and other parts of the park for a majority of the month.

"We're working hard to try to get everything open," park ranger Jason Parrie said.

Along with the lodge, the golf course and marina are fully operational. All three boat ramps and many of the campsites have also reopened.

As the water receded and repairs were made, many people were forced to change spring break plans.

"There were a lot of folks who were hit hard," Parrie said. "We had weddings that had to be cancelled, large groups that had to be cancelled. With very few exceptions, the public has been very understanding. We genuinely appreciate that."

A project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DeGray Lake helps prevent the flooding of communities downstream the Caddo River.

"The lake did what it was supposed to do," Parrie said. "It's a flood control lake and it stored the water, protecting up to 100,000 folks downstream."

With the threat for more heavy rain in Arkansas over the next week, Parrie said park staff will have a close eye on the skies.

"I know we have rain in the forecast and hopefully we'll weather that the best we can," he said. "It will dry out eventually, and we'll be happy to have everybody back when it does."

Certain areas of the park remain closed. Park rangers ask park visitors, in vehicles and on-foot, to avoid crossing barricades.

For real-time information on which areas of the park are open, click here.

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