PIERRE, S.D. – Several state park and public water access areas near Sioux Falls are closed due to flooding along the Big Sioux River.

The following parks are closed effective immediately:

• Beaver Creek Nature Area near Valley Springs
• Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon
• Palisades State Park near Garretson
• Lake Alvin near Harrisburg

The following Public Water Access areas are closed effective immediately:

• 9 Mile near Lake Alvin
• Klondike north of Canton
• McKee near Newton Hills
• Fish near Fairview
• Oakridge south of Fairview
• Bent River east of Alcester
• Cut-Off Bend
• Petry-Conway
• Willow Run east of Spink
• Ryan east of Elk Point

Portions of the following parks are closed:

• Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls - lower trail system
• ?Newton Hills State Park near Canton - horse camp and Lake Lakota

In addition, the Jay Heath Canoe and Kayak Trail is closed effective immediately.

The closures will be in place until flooding subsides and the areas are useable. Campers will be notified by park officials if the closures are expected to impact their stay.