Panorama West Nature Trail
The final pieces of a project that received 2021 Beach Ball funding were completed in the fall of 2022. A total of $5,000 was committed to the Panorama West Nature Trail, plus some private donations were received.
A survey conducted in April 2019 by Friends of Lake Panorama showed strong LPA member interest in walking trails. A Friends board task force was created to explore options. It was decided an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams would be perfect as a designated nature trail.
Approval by the LPA board at its August 2022 meeting to allow the school to move cross country practices and meets to the south shore means the Panorama West trail no longer will used by the school.
Seven trail marker posts with directional signage, a trailhead sign, and two backless benches have been installed, and the trail is ready for visitors. Parking is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road south of the Panorama West clubhouse.
The trailhead sign near the parking area features a drawing of the trail created by Dan Badding. Users are encouraged to snap a photo to help them navigate the trail. At the three-quarters-mile mark, there is an optional three-quarters of a mile loop. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles.
The trail winds through grassy open areas and timber, and does not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of the trail may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles.
