Flood vents keep Credit Island Lodge standing in high water

Floodwater is inundating the Credit Island Lodge, but it’s supposed to be that way. It’s part of the flood plan for Davenport’s Parks and Recreation Department, which is being put to the test for the first time.

Credit Island hasn’t been accessible by car for a month, the Davenport Fire Department helps ferry parks crews to the building once a week for maintenance checks.

It’s not an easy ride out to the lodge. The boat has to dodge trees and navigate through water that may not be that deep. 

However, Davenport senior parks manager Betsy Tubbs said it’s necessary.

“We send a crew out about once a week just to double check the building, making sure everything’s acting the way it should act,” Tubbs said.

Once at the building, crews focus is on the flood vents, which let water into the building so pressure doesn’t build up on the outside.

“Those vents did open,” Tubbs said. “The water has equalized itself inside and outside so we’re anticipating no structural damage.” 

The vents save the department thousands of dollars in repairs. 

So far they’ve only seen minor damage, like a broken garage door and dirt in the lodge.

“The river does leave things behind, so we will clean it up as quickly as we can,” Tubbs said.

The way back to land wasn’t any easier and the boat got stuck on the road, but for the parks department members it’s worth it to preserve a part of Davenport history.

“The island itself was named because people would trade down there you know back in the day: Credit Island. They traded. They bartered,” Tubbs said. “There’s just a lot of history there and there’s some value to retaining historical facilities.”

After the floodwaters recede, crew members will powerwash the lodge and sanitize it. However, Tubbs said she doesn’t know when that will be.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sMHRqqyanJOewaqx0meaqKVfo7K4v46fo6inlGLDprrTrGSknZWleqS%2BxJ2grWWZqLmiusNmo6icl5p6tMDAp5uippditq95x6KeoWWnlsGmvo4%3D