2025 ushers 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 the Friends of Lake Panorama is exempt from federal income tax, and contributions to the public charity 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 and trail system
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.
The current 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. At its April 2024 meeting, the board approved a fundraising effort that focuses on Priority 1 projects identified in the plan.
Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with LPN on this effort, which allows donations to be tax deductible. The LPN board of managers set a $500,000 target for the first round of fundraising. As funds become available, Priority 1 projects are being completed. Fundraising will continue until all projects are complete. Learn more here.