Rising creek waters from melting snow pack and frequent spring storms were a concern for Wasatch Charter School during their last month in session. The K-8 school, located at 1458 E. Murray Holladay Road, borders the Big Cottonwood Regional Creekside Park. They use the park grounds for activities and as an alternative pick-up location after school. 

Throughout the spring, sandbags were placed along the creek to protect the school and nearby businesses from potential flooding. On May 24, the school’s administration sent out an urgent message to parents informing them that students could not be picked up at the park for the remainder of the school year. 

“We are sorry for the short notice,” the message said, “but we have just learned that Creekside Park is being intentionally flooded to mitigate further flooding downstream. The water is already rising at the bottom of the hill on the park side. Students who walk to the park for pickup will not be released to walk today, and need to be picked up at the school.”  

As a Waldorf school, students spend a significant amount of time outside. The creek flows through the park and borders the west side of the school grounds. During an eighth-grade graduation party rushing water could be heard during the outdoor ceremony.  λ