Southside Boat Club in Keokuk was destroyed by flood waters in 2008.
KEOKUK, IOWA -- Updated August 17 at 5:10p.m.
The Southside Boat club in Keokuk has come full circle.
You'll recall the old facility was destroyed in the flood of 2008.
Even with the new facility, the club hasn't had boat docks until now.
Folks from the community moved the docks in front of the facility over the weekend.
They're already being put to good use.
--Original story--
The Keokuk Southside Boat Club is celebrating the fruits of hard work and determination.
Monday the Boat Club opened to members for the first time since the Flood of 2008 when seven feet of water filled up and destroyed the longtime club house.
Club members have overcome many hurdles the past 29 months while fund raising money for the new three thousand square feet facility.
The new building is now four feet above 500 year flood levels, but features touches of the old structure.
Members can now sit at the same bar as in years past in the new, larger building.
Club President Kathy Farris says it shows how hope floats when all is washed away.
Farris said, "After 29 months, and the hoops and hurdles one has to cross, I'm having a difficult time wrapping my arms around it. We're just now open and people are coming in. The community is excited and I'm excited. I can't believe it's here now."
The facility isn't completely done yet.
Members are still raising money to build a wheelchair accessible entrance to the clubhouse.
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