2025 ushered in the second decade of Friends of Lake Panorama’s impact on the Lake Panorama community. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office November 1, 2013. The first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors was December 3, 2013.
On January 17, 2014, an application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation was submitted to the IRS. A letter from the IRS dated July 2, 2014, stated contributions to Friends of Lake Panorama are deductible under federal law. The charity’s seven-member board of directors focuses on improving existing recreation, while developing new opportunities. Details on past and current projects are linked at the top of this page.
With the help of many donors and the Lake Panorama Association, Friends had a busy first decade. Sunset Beach playground opened in July 2016. Boulder Beach sports courts opened in June 2018. Many other successful projects followed:
Shady and Boulder beaches playground improvements
Panorama West rain garden
Dog park
Sunset Beach sports court
Panorama West Nature Trail
LPN Shade sails
South Shore Recreation Area, with disc golf, trail system, boat dock, picnic shelter
20 new benches at beaches and golf courses
In August 2017, Friends received a $473,700 estate gift from Jim and Joyce McLuen to be used at the Panorama West Golf Club. That gift showed the amazing impact planned giving can have at Lake Panorama.
One ongoing priority is a fundraising campaign for needed improvements on the Lake Panorama National golf course. In fall 2023, the LPN board of managers began development of a comprehensive master plan for the course. A fundraising effort that focuses on priority projects began in April 2024. As funds become available, priority projects are completed. Learn more here.
A new project is a hard-surface walking path at Boulder Beach. This would be a concrete path that is 6-feet wide and 5-inches thick. The plan is for this be a loop path that begins in the parking lot, and is about one-half mile long.
Proceeds from the 2025 Beach Ball provided $20,000 for this project. Nearly $3,000 in private donations was received at the end of 2025. Another $28,650 raised at the 2026 Beach Ball brings the total to more than $51,000. Construction will begin once the necessary funds have been raised. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign near the walking path.
Once the Boulder Beach path is complete, the possibility of a similar trail at Sunset Beach will be discussed.