Flooding at Bloch Park had receded to the point Monday morning that crews from the Selma City Parks and Recreation Department and Selma Fire Department were starting to clean the area.

The fire department was seen Monday morning spraying Marina Drive in an effort to keep debris from the floodwaters from getting wedged into the road.

“Before that debris dries and gets stuck in the roadway, we will try to use the hose and push it to the side so when the city crew comes through they can pick up any debris that was left,” said Selma fire chief Toney Stephens.

The Alabama River topped out at 49.58 feet last week, which was the highest it had gotten since it reached 54 feet on Jan. 19, 1992. The water at Bloch Park was so deep that some even started canoeing. Others pulled out their cell phones to take and send photos.

On Monday, there wasn’t much left to photograph.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, the river had receded to 42.9 feet.

Little, if any, water remained at Bloch Park. The ground was still damp and the play area in the center of the walking trail had been turned to muddy grass.

“Our guys have been picking up the trash that floated up,” said interim recreation director Lebo Jones.

“We will be replacing the sand at the playgrounds and [doing] any maintenance that needs be done.”

Flood waters and standing water pose risks such as infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries, according to the Center for Disease Control website. Due to that, the playground area will be pressure washed before it is used again.

Jones recommends people stay off of that equipment for the time being.

“I’d say by the end of the week or beginning of next week, it should be fine to use the playground and stuff again,” Jones said.

Jones said Monday the recreation department surveyed the area and will do so again Tuesday to assess how much work is left.

“We are going to play it by ear and see what happens, but our plan is just to clean up and pick up and anything that needs to be repaired, we will do that as we can,” Jones said.