Gordon Moore Park
Sinkhole appears in soccer field above Illinois mine: ‘Out of a movie’
No one was present when sinkhole, 100ft wide and 30ft deep, suddenly collapsed field in Alton, north of St Louis
Alton, Illinois – A massive sinkhole, measuring approximately 100 feet wide and 30 to 50 feet deep, has dramatically altered the landscape of Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois. The sinkhole, which appeared on Wednesday morning, has swallowed a significant portion of an artificial turf soccer field, including a stadium light pole, benches, and other equipment. The incident, which occurred above a limestone mine operated by New Frontier Materials, has left the local community in shock and prompted the closure of the park.
A Scene from a Movie
Michael Haynes, the Director of Alton Parks and Recreation, described the surreal scene: “It looks like a bomb went off. It was surreal, kind of like a movie where the ground just falls out from underneath you.” Surveillance footage captured the dramatic moment when the ground gave way, sending a plume of dust and debris into the air. Drone footage later revealed the extent of the damage, showing a gaping hole in the center of the soccer field.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the sinkhole appeared when the field was empty. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed relief, stating, “No one was on the field at the time and no one was hurt, and that’s the most important thing.” The park has been closed indefinitely as a precautionary measure, and all sports activities have been canceled.
New Frontier Materials, the operator of the mine beneath the park, attributed the sinkhole to a “surface subsidence” event. The company promptly reported the incident to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and has secured the affected area. “Safety is our top priority,” said Matt Barkett, a spokesperson for New Frontier Materials. “We will work with the city to remediate this issue as quickly and safely as possible to ensure minimal impact on the community.”
Community Impact and Future Steps
The sinkhole has significantly impacted the local community, disrupting recreational activities and causing concern among residents. The soccer fields, which were installed just five years ago at a cost of approximately $1 million, were a popular venue for local sports events and activities. “Thousands upon thousands of people are impacted by this,” a local resident told KMOV. “Parents and their children who participate as athletes.”
Brian Hoener, the coach of the Marquette Catholic High School soccer club, expressed relief that the incident did not occur during a busy time. “Just last week, we had 60 to 70 participants in a soccer camp on that field,” he said. The timing of the collapse, occurring shortly after amateur teams had ceased using the area for practice, was fortunate.
Investigations and Remediation
City officials are now awaiting feedback from geologists and engineers to determine the cause of the sinkhole and the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. “The mines have been here and in this area for decades and decades,” Haynes explained. “It’s never been brought up before so I’m told it’s an anomaly. We’ll wait until the investigation is complete.”
The remediation process will involve a thorough assessment of the mine’s stability and the implementation of safety measures to prevent similar incidents. “Hopefully, we can find a remedy and get plans together to move forward before we get into our busy season out here again,” Haynes added.
Broader Implications
The incident has also brought attention to the broader issue of sinkholes and their causes. Various studies have highlighted that the rise in sinkhole incidents is often linked to subsidence and groundwater pumping. The US Geological Survey has associated sinkholes with land-use practices, particularly groundwater extraction and construction activities.
As the community of Alton comes to terms with the dramatic event, the focus remains on ensuring safety and restoring the park for future use. The collaboration between city officials, New Frontier Materials, and experts will be crucial in addressing the current situation and preventing future occurrences.