We went to Woodhaven Lakes over the 4th of July weekend to check out
the property. While our lot and RV were just fine many others weren't
so fortunate. There were areas of the park where access was still
highly restricted. But after viewing the areas we could it became clear
that the damage was simply devastating. Thank God that no one was
seriously hurt.
The park set up a staging area behind Woody's
market where a semi-trailer sized shredder was located to shred the
debris into a mountain of wood chips. We sat and watched the short bed dump
trucks roll in one after another hauling debris from the south west
sections of the park. We estimate 100 - 150 truck loads a day were
being hauled into the shredding area where they were loaded into the
shredder and converted into chips.
The cleanup event was started on or
about the 25th of June and we were watching this on the 5th of July.
So it had been going on for 10 days and there are still area's of the
park that are closed except to those who have lots in them. I would be
surprised if they finish this debris removal by the end of July.
It
is sad that owners are unable to get anyone to start the clean up of
their lots because everyone is involved in the clean up process. We
heard that about 40% of the lot owners did not have any insurance and
for those that do the insurance companies will cover the RV but not the
lot in general. It is a real mess and we can't help but wonder just how
many owners will just choose to walk away rather than face the extreme
high cost of clean up and re-establishing their little piece of heaven.
Our
prayers are with all the owners of lots at Woodhaven Lakes as we are
sure the effects of this storm will last for a few years at a minimum.
Please keep active in your prayers any one going through an event such
as this. A tornado is incredible. We hope you never have to
experience one.
Update - As of 7/19/2015 the
chipping of debris at Woodhaven Lakes has generated over 200,000 cubic
yards of mulch chips. And it is still going. My original estimate of
150 - 200 truck loads a day was low, the actual count is typically 400 +
truck loads per day. We will be going out on the weekend of August 8
& 9 to enjoy the Mendota Corn Festival and will report back after
that relaxing weekend. Hope it isn't too damn hot!
