From Staff Reports

FLAT ROCK —  The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock remains closed after having been severely ravaged on Sept. 27 by Tropical Storm Helene. 

Specifically, the Hendersonville Times-News reported on Oct. 22 that “the closure includes all trails, park grounds and facilities. The park will re-open once damage assessments have been made and the park is deemed safe for visitation.”

Further, the HTN quoted Park Superintendent Polly Angelakis as saying. “The hurricane has had an impact on all of us here at Carl Sandburg Home and in the broader community.

“We are grateful that park staff, volunteers, partners and the rest of our community made it safely through the storm. The goats and other livestock fared well also.”

The HTN noted that “impacts include numerous downed trees and washouts, which make park trails and grounds inaccessible. The historic buildings appear undamaged. 

“However, the Front Lake Dam sustained substantial damage. NPS teams are assessing the extent of the damage to determine what work needs to be accomplished to make the park safe for visitors to return”.

To that end, the HTN quoted Angelakis as saying, “We know how important the Carl Sandburg Home is to the community for recreation, exercise and as an escape from the everyday chaos.

“However, there are still dangerous conditions present. Crews are working with chainsaws to remove trees. We ask for everyone’s patience while we work to get Carl Sandburg Home safely open for everyone to enjoy.”