Broke Leg Creek facts for kids
Broke Leg Creek (also known as Broke Leg Falls) is a beautiful stream and waterfall. You can find it in Morgan and Menifee counties in the state of Kentucky, U.S.A.. It's a popular spot for nature lovers.
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The Story of Broke Leg Falls
Broke Leg Falls has an interesting history. It started as a State Park in the early 1960s. A State Park is a special area of land protected by the government for people to enjoy. This park was about 14 acres big.
From State Park to Community Treasure
Over time, fewer people visited the park. Because of this, the state government stopped taking care of it. In the 1980s, private owners bought the land. But they didn't keep it up very well.
Then, in 2002, the government of Menifee County bought the land back. They wanted to make it beautiful again! To help with this big project, a group called TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky teamed up with the local chamber of commerce. A chamber of commerce is a group that helps local businesses and the community.
They gave money and help to restore the area. This money helped add new things like a gazebo, a campsite, grills, and picnic tables. It became a wonderful place for families and friends to visit.
The Big Storm: A Tornado's Impact
Sadly, in March 2012, a powerful tornado hit Broke Leg Falls. This tornado was an EF-3, which means it was very strong. It ripped through the area just one year after all the restorations were finished.
Before the tornado, you couldn't see the falls from the road. Visitors had to walk down many rock stairs to get a good view. But the tornado tore down many trees. After the storm, the falls could be seen clearly right from the roadway!
Nature's Comeback: Repairing the Falls
The tornado caused a lot of damage. It took a long time to clean up. Workers cleared many trees and debris. But sometimes, the best thing to do is let nature heal itself.
After several years, the bridge and stairs were finally repaired. This cost over $38,000! It was very hard for the local communities to see their beautiful park destroyed so quickly, especially after all the hard work they put into restoring it. But Broke Leg Falls is a testament to nature's power and the community's dedication.
