BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservatory is calling last night a "Perfect Storm" to create a mess in Delaware Park. With heavy rains before and after the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge-- the park is left a muddy mess.
"The event has happened for 39-years in Delaware Park and usually the park recovers quite well afterwards but thanks to three hours of rain before the event and after the event, then an absolute down pour at 10:30 last night-- it is taking its toll on the park," Stephanie Crockatt, Executive Director of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy said.
The conservancy said there's not enough money for this unexpected damage and they are looking into taking funds from the insurance policy from the event. JP Morgan who sponsors the Corporate Challenge did give money to help with the clean up of the event.
"It's hard for our workers because they have sweat equity built up into this," Bob Stotz, Operations Director for Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy said. "Some of our workers have been here for 10-years and it's heartbreaking."
The Corporate Challenge hosts around 14,000 runners and 432 tents on the grass of the park.
The conservancy estimates 60,000 sq.ft worth of turf and two golf course holes were damaged. Crockatt says it will take a long time to fix all the damage.
The conservancy wants people to know that the park is still open and the crews are working around the clock to bring Delaware Park back to its summer beauty.
