The recent rains have caused flooding in all of the usual places around the city of Independence, but one place where flood waters rose in a different way is the new Central Park Sports Complex.

 The low lying areas on Park street where the city's baseball and softball fields are located has long been an area prone to flooding. While residents may have seen waters rise in that area again after the recent heavy rains, Sports Complex Project Manager Lacey Lies says there is an important difference.

Lies says the changes to elevation of the fields as well as new water retention areas and storm sewer enhancements mean flood waters were successfully kept off off the fields and away from the concessions area. Work continues on the Sports Complex and city officials say the ball fields will be ready for play this summer.