Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon knew when there was flooding at Chaloner Middle School Saturday there had to be flooding at Chaloner Recreation Center.

His fears were confirmed when the bridge leading to the center off Glover Street was under water and water was backed up to the street itself.

When the waters finally receded it was discovered that two feet of water seeped into the building, which is the second oldest recreation center in the city behind T.J. Davis.

The center is the focal point of the Hodgestown and Southgate communities. “The facility is used tremendously and is booked up every weekend,” Simeon said today.

Much of the sand supporting playground equipment was washed away.

The alumni association of the former John Armstrong Chaloner High School uses the center for reunions and the Hodgestown/Southgate Association uses it for meetings and other events.

Simeon said there are recreation programs at the center and its outdoor basketball court, the only regulation size outdoor court in the city, is always full.

The center is now closed, airing out from the flooding. The bridge that carries traffic to the center is blocked off and must be inspected, the waters pushing asphalt up.

On Friday cleaning contractors will come to disinfect the entire building, Simeon said, and assessment continues.

Water pushed up the asphalt on the bridge while the water line is clearly seen in the photo on the right.

Simeon said he talked with the city’s insurance carrier Tuesday and the carrier continues to study the damage.

What has been discovered so far is that water got into the electrical system, the baseboard heating and the air conditioning unit. It soaked kitchen appliances and all the computers.

Outside the water washed away the sand helping to support playground equipment. “It’s going to take a tremendous of sand to get it back to its normal state,” Simeon said.

Once all assessments are done, Simeon will note the findings in a report to the city manager. “Friday we start the cleanup, the first step in the process.”

Meanwhile, Simeon said the recreation department is working with groups that have booked the recreation to accommodate them with other facilities in the city, whether it is T.J. Davis, Kirkwood Adams or Lloyd Andrews. “Generally it’s booked a year in advance.”