2025 BEACH BALL RAISES $35,000

The 2025 Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball had a profit of $35,000. The event was held June 20 at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort, with 190 guests in attendance.

For the fifth year in a row, individuals and businesses became Friends Beach Club members to support this event. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while making a direct donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.

There were 24 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $800 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Sixteen couples spent $300 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with eight businesses, couples or individuals donating $150 to sponsor a table.

There were 61 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in $7,200. The live auction of 12 items raised $14,100. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle and a half-card-draw game netted $2,200.

At a meeting June 23, the Friends board of directors voted to earmark the $35,000 Beach Ball profit for three projects.

A roll-in boat dock has been ordered and is expected to be placed in early July in the cove directly north of the Lake Panorama dam. This will allow boaters to tie up and access the south shore trails and disc golf course from the water. Half of the $10,000 cost of the dock will come from the 2025 Beach Ball, with the other half from money held in reserve from the 2024 Beach Ball.

A total of $20,000 will be used as seed money to kickoff fundraising for hard-surface walking paths at Boulder and Sunset beaches, with $10,000 for each project. The Boulder Beach loop will be one-half mile, the Sunset Beach loop one-quarter mile.

Research is underway on surface options and related costs, with more details expected soon. Additional fundraising will begin once plans are complete and costs confirmed. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs near the start of each of these two walking paths.

The remaining $10,000 raised at this year’s Beach Ball goes to Lake Panorama National golf course improvements. Projects being considered for 2025 fall construction are bunkers, tee boxes and driving range.  

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit cards are accepted on the Friends website.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on the Friends website. More information is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

FRIENDS SURVEY PUTS FOCUS ON NEW PROJECTS

It was July 2014 when the IRS granted Friends of Lake Panorama 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Over the next five years, with the help of generous donors and LPA, Friends completed the Sunset Beach playground and Boulder Beach sports courts. Friends also managed a $473,700 estate gift that made significant improvements to the Panorama West Golf Course.

In April 2019, Friends conducted a survey of LPA members. Responses led to new playground equipment and benches at all three beaches, upgraded walking trails at Panorama West and the South Shore, disc golf course, dog park and a basketball and pickleball court at Sunset Beach.

This past April, the Friends board created a new seven-question survey to gather feedback on completed projects and ideas for new and improved recreational amenities and beautification efforts. That survey showed appreciation for completed projects, and support for several new projects.

Jan Reinicke is the only member of the current seven-member Friends board of directors who has served since it was formed in late 2013. She has been board president since 2017.

“Many of our projects have focused on Lake Panorama’s three beaches, which has led to bigger and better playgrounds, sports courts at two locations and new benches,” Reinicke says. “We’ve also been able to diversify and create additional amenities that may not appeal to a broad audience, yet add value to the Lake Panorama community. The dog park and the disc golf course are examples of projects that received significant financial and in-kind support from those who wanted these amenities available.”

Results of the 2025 survey were reviewed at a Friends board meeting in early April. After discussion, the board chose five projects for further investigation. These include hard surface walking paths at Boulder and Sunset beaches, beach shelter upgrades, south shore boat dock, more playground equipment, and additional shade trees at beaches.

At its May 19 meeting, the Friends board chose two of these projects to receive funds raised at the 2025 Beach Ball.

One is a small project that could be in place for part of the 2025 boating season. Many survey respondents said they would be more likely to use the south shore recreation area if it could be accessed by boat.

After securing approval from the LPA board of directors, Friends is moving forward with plans for a six-feet-wide roll-in dock that will be located in the large cove immediately north of the Lake Panorama dam, which is a no-wake area.

The estimated cost of this project is $10,000. Some funds from the Beach Ball will be used, and  direct donations are being accepted.

A much larger project involves hard-surface walking paths at both Sunset and Boulder beaches. More and improved options for walking paths at Lake Panorama was a frequent request from those completing the 2025 Friends survey. The LPA board approved this concept in an effort to get walkers off LPA’s narrow and winding roads.

Research is underway on surface options and related costs. The Boulder Beach path would be one-half mile, and the Sunset Beach path one-quarter mile. More details on the cost of these two projects will be available in the near future. Some funds from the 2025 Beach Ball will provide seed money to kickoff additional fundraising for these walking paths.  

“Our goal is to research and help develop a variety of projects so people have options when they consider making a donation to Friends of Lake Panorama,” Renicke says. “This also makes it possible for funds from our annual Beach Ball fundraiser to be designated to more than a single recreational or beautification project.”

Once these two priority projects are complete, the Friends board will turn attention to other project ideas that surfaced as a result of the 2025 Friends survey.

Donations for the south shore boat dock and loop walking trails at Boulder and Sunset beaches now are being accepted. Direct donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

All donors receive a tax receipt. Donors contributing $500 or more will be recognized on the Friends of Lake Panorama website: friendsoflakepanorama.org.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA ENTERS SECOND DECADE

The year 2025 marks the second decade of Friends of Lake Panorama making a difference throughout the Lake Panorama community by improving existing recreational amenities and developing new ones.

The charity is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors, which held its first meeting Dec. 3, 2013. The board held its 2025 organizational meeting Nov. 11, 2024.

At the meeting, current board members Jackie Wellik and Bill Winkleblack were reappointed to new three-year terms. Other board members are Galen Johnson, Jody Muench, John Muenzenberger, Jan Reinicke and Jim Tibbles.

In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Tibbles vice president and Winkleblack secretary-treasurer. Susan Thompson is the non-profit’s executive director.

2024 ushered in the completion of low-impact recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s south shore. An extensive trails system includes a cross country trail for the Panorama Community Schools. Other amenities now available on the south shore are a disc golf course; fenced driveway to a parking lot with walk-through access to the recreation area; picnic shelter; directional signage; five benches; and 16 bluebird houses.

The current priority is a fundraising campaign to pay for needed improvements at Lake Panorama National golf course. Projects include tee box and driving range renovations and new tee signs and ball washers. Money raised so far made it possible to renovate four forward tee boxes last fall. Based on funds raised between now and next September, additional construction is planned for fall 2025.

Repeats of two successful fundraising events held last year are on the 2025 LPN calendar. A golf outing is Saturday, May 3, beginning at 11 a.m. 20 Men Who Can Cook will be Sunday, Oct. 19, beginning at 4 p.m. More details on both of these events will be available in the coming months.

Tentative plans for a 2025 Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball in June are in the works, with a final date to be announced in the spring. At its November meeting, Friends board members agreed a portion of the funds raised at the 2025 Beach Ball will be committed to the LPN golf course renovation effort, while some funds will go to other projects not yet designated.

Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions.

Details on past, present and future projects is on the Friends website. Friends also has a Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up-to-date about Friends activities are asked to “like” and “share” the Friends page. Those with questions or comments about Friends of Lake Panorama can send an email to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

2024 FUNDRAISING MAKES FALL LPN RENOVATIONS POSSIBLE

A fundraising campaign that began in May allowed some planned updates to the Lake Panorama National golf course to be completed this fall. 

A year ago, the LPN board of managers began development of a comprehensive master plan for the golf course. At its April 2024 meeting, the LPN board approved a fundraising effort that focuses on Priority 1 projects identified in the master plan.

The work done this fall involved renovations to four forward tee boxes. The project started with the Lake Panorama Association maintenance team removing railroad tie retaining walls on holes five, six and seven. BluGrade Earthworks was hired to do the rest.

A rainy fall slowed progress, but all dirt work was completed by the end of November. The forward tee boxes on holes five and seven doubled in size. The teeing area on the sixth hole remains about the same, with additional dirt added to the east side where the ground slopes away. The teeing area on the eighth hole was leveled.

Low-mow bluegrass sod was installed on the seventh hole, marking the completion of that tee box. Wet field conditions and freezing temperatures made it impossible to cut and install sod on the remaining three tees this year. Weather permitting, sod installation will be done mid-March to mid-April. The goal is to have those tees ready for play by Memorial Day weekend.

Friends of Lake Panorama is assisting with the LPN capital fundraising campaign. At the nonprofit’s annual Beach Ball fundraiser in June, $30,000 was raised for the Priority 1 projects. Another $12,000 was raised in October with a golf tournament and a food sampling event. More than $46,000 in direct donations has been received to date.

Fundraising for needed updates on the LPN golf course is expected to continue as a priority project for both LPN and Friends for several years. Based on funds raised between now and next September, additional construction will be done in fall 2025.

LPN Priority 1 projects include expanding forward tee boxes, leveling and resodding main tee boxes, removing all railroad ties and where needed, replacing with block retaining walls, updates to the driving range and new tee signs and ball washers.

Donors of $500 or more are recognized on both the Lake Panorama National Resort and Friends of Lake Panorama websites. Additional donor recognition inside the Spikes snack shop is planned for the future.

LPN GOLF COURSE IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY

This past April, the Lake Panorama National (LPN) Board of Managers approved a fundraising initiative focused on Priority 1 projects outlined in the LPN Golf Course Master Plan. By the end of October, fundraising reached $86,000, which made it possible to seek bids for some construction this fall.

The work involves renovations to the forward tee boxes on four holes. The project started with the Lake Panorama Association maintenance team removing old railroad tie retaining walls on holes five, six and seven. This reduced the cost of this project by $5,000.

BluGrade Earthworks was hired to expand and level these three tee boxes before installing sod. The tee boxes on five and seven doubled in size. The teeing area on the sixth hole remains about the same. Since the old retaining walls were removed, additional dirt was added so the ground slopes away from the teeing area.

In 2023, the railroad ties surrounding the forward tee on the eighth hole were removed, and dirt added around the edges to provide a sloped area. This fall, BluGrade finished the remaining work on this hole by leveling the tee surface and installing sod.

In addition to these construction projects funded by donations, the LPA maintenance staff spent many days removing dead and undesirable trees from no-mow areas between golf holes on the interior of the course.

Many of the trees being removed are ash trees that weren’t included in the first round of clearing Xtreme Tree service provided a couple of years ago. These trees either weren’t priority trees at that time, or have died since then. The LPA crew also removed small shrubs, invasive plants and brush to help the remaining and desirable hardwoods thrive.

The large trees were chipped and turned into mulch that will be repurposed around the golf course.

Fundraising continues for additional tee box improvements planned for 2025. Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with the LPN Resort on this effort. All contributions are tax-deductible, and donors receive a letter of thanks that serves as a receipt. Donations can be made in memory or recognition of others.

$12,000 RAISED FOR LPN GOLF COURSE IMPROVEMENTS

Two events held Sunday, Oct. 20 at Lake Panorama National combined to raise more than $12,000 to support the ongoing LPN Capital Fundraising Campaign.

Fourteen teams enjoyed perfect fall weather as they competed in the four-person, best-ball tournament. Team sponsorships raised $8,000, with mulligan sales bringing in another $280. There were two $1,000 hole-in-one sponsors—Lake Lumber and Tometich Engineering.

The 20 Men Who Can Cook event was in the LPN banquet room 3:30-6:30 p.m. It featured local chefs who prepared their favorite dishes for guests to sample. Tables for taste testing and socializing were available in the middle of the banquet room, with the chefs stationed at tables around the perimeter.

Those who played in the golf tournament had their entry fee to the 20 Men event covered. Another 105 people purchased tickets either in advance or at the door, to bring attendance to around 160. Ticket sales plus some additional donations made in connection with the Sunday fundraisers pushed the total for the day over $12,000.

Proceeds from these two events, combined with private donations and proceeds from the 2024 Beach Ball, puts the total raised to date at $86,000.

Organizers say they plan to hold both a golf tournament and a food sampling event again in 2025 to help fund additional LPN golf course improvements next fall.

BEACH BALL GIVES BOOST TO LPN CAPITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

A fundraising campaign to pay for needed improvements at the Lake Panorama National golf course received a boost when $30,000 from the Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball was earmarked for the campaign. At the end of June, direct donations to the campaign were at $11,250.

In the fall of 2023, the LPN board of managers began development of a comprehensive master plan for the golf course. This involved a thorough assessment of the course, with key personnel conducting a hole-by-hole golf course tour. The insights gained, combined with past planning documents, led to the identification and prioritization of key projects.

At its April meeting, the LPN board approved a fundraising effort that focuses on Priority 1 projects identified in the LPN Golf Course Master Plan. Projects included in Priority 1 include expanding forward tee boxes, leveling and resodding main tee boxes, removing all railroad ties and where needed, replacing with the ties with block retaining walls, updates to the driving range and new tee signs and ball washers.

A $500,000 target for the first round of fundraising was established. As funds become available, bids will be solicited for Priority 1 projects. No fundraising deadline has been set, as funds will continue to be raised until projects are completed.

Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with LPN, which makes it possible for contributions to be tax deductible. All donors will receive a tax receipt.

One current promotion to encourage donations runs through Aug. 31. Those who donate $500 or more by Aug. 31 will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a 2025 LPN Single Golf Pass with trail fee or cart seat.

Every $500 earns the donor one entry, with no limit on the number of entries that can be earned. This promotion is exclusively for direct donations by individuals, couples or families, and cannot be combined with fundraising events.

Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and sent to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) also are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions.

Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit card donations can be made online at friendsoflakepanorama.org. To qualify for this promotion, credit card donations must include an extra $15 for every $500 donated to cover processing fees.

Upcoming fundraising events include a golf tournament Sept. 7, and 20 Men Who Can Cook Oct. 20, 4-7 p.m. Details on both events will be available soon.

Future projects included in the LPN golf course master plan include needed improvements to the maintenance shop and equipment storage, irrigation pumps and pump house, bunkers, the pond that impacts holes 12 and 13, the pond on the ninth hole, and cart paths.

Donors of $500 or more are recognized on the donor page of the Friends website and on the Lake Panorama National capital fundraising campaign page at lakepanoramanational.com.

2024 BEACH BALL RAISES $35,000

More than 180 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2024 Beach Ball June 21 at the Lake Panorama National event center. After expenses, the event had a profit of $35,000.

For the fourth year in a row, individuals and businesses became Friends Beach Club members to support this event. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while also making a direct donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.

There were 17 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $700 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club, which was five more than in 2023. Sixteen couples spent $250 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with six businesses or individuals donating $150 to sponsor a table.

There were 53 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in $7,540. The live auction of 13 items raised $14,750. Those totals add up to a $4,000 increase in auction revenue over 2023. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle and a half-card-draw game netted $2,000.

At its April meeting, the Friends of Lake Panorama board voted to make the Lake Panorama National Golf Course Master Plan Priority 1 projects the focus of the 2024 Beach Ball. Those projects include tee box and driving range renovations and new tee signs and ball washers.

Advance publicity stated auction items could be donated specifically for LPN Priority 1 projects. Eighteen silent auction items and six live auction items were designated for the LPN fundraising effort, and resulted in proceeds of $8,450.

At a meeting June 24, the Friends board of directors voted to add $21,550 to those proceeds, earmarking $30,000 for the LPN Priority 1 projects. The remaining $5,000 raised at the Beach Ball will be held in the Friends general fund.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit cards are accepted on the Friends website.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on the donor page of the Friends website. More information is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

FINAL SIGNS IN PLACE ON SOUTH SHORE

The last two informational signs planned for the Lake Panorama south shore recreation area were installed in late June.

One is a welcome sign near the parking lot. It includes a graphic of Lake Panorama, history of the project, donor recognition, rules and emergency contacts.

The second sign is at the start of the trail system. It includes a map, trail option descriptions, and details on the native plants and wildlife along the trails. 

Another part of the south shore recreation area is the disc golf course, which has been open for play since last November. Four informational signs were installed in May near the first tee. A large welcome sign includes a course map.

The 127 acres on Lake Panorama’s south shore features 7,000 feet of shoreline. The seeds for low-impact recreational amenities here were planted in April 2019, when Friends of Lake Panorama surveyed LPA members for input. Walking trails and disc golf were projects of interest, with the south shore considered a good location. In July 2023, LPA gave final approval to the plan that includes the trail system, disc golf course, picnic shelter, benches and birdhouses.

Work to repair the south shore rip rap was completed in spring 2023, funded by the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). RIZ and the LPA signed an agreement the south shore must remain a greenspace for at least the next 15 years. Amenities now in place fall under the greenspace definition. 

Friends of Lake Panorama began fundraising in fall 2021 and continued through 2023. The recreation area opened in October 2023.

The trail system encompasses 26 acres of native tall grass prairie. The area was once planted to row crops, but now is enrolled in a conservation reserve program (CRP) that requires native plants be established. LPA will continue to enroll these acres in the CRP program, or find other ways to keep native species flourishing.

There are five trail options, each designated on the map with a different color. Colored arrows on brown fiberglass trail markers are installed at each trail junction. Those who do the full green loop down to the shoreline and back up through the meadow area to return to the parking lot will have walked two miles.

There are four other trail options. Choose the red option to return to the parking lot and walk just sixth-tenths of a mile. The blue option is 1.1 mile; yellow is 1.6 miles; and orange is 2 miles.

The Panorama Schools cross country trails use some sections of the Lake Panorama trail system, and are marked with blue fiberglass trail markers. The cross country trails begin and end on school property.

To reach the recreation area, there is a fenced driveway that begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot with walk-through access. Beyond the shelter with picnic table are two brown markers; one points right to the first hole of the golf course, the other points left to the beginning of the trail system.

The recreation area is open during daylight hours. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or running water; visitors are asked to plan accordingly.

2024 BEACH BALL JUNE 21

Some seats and open tables remain for the Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball fundraiser Friday, June 21. The Beach Ball will be at the Lake Panorama National Resort event center, with all seating in the banquet room. Advance reservations are required, as attendance will be capped at 225.

Registration will be 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the dining room. Personalized programs with names, table numbers and bidding numbers will be ready for pickup as guests arrive. A buffet dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar throughout the evening, which will open at 4:30 p.m.

Members of the Friends Beach Club provide additional financial support to Friends of Lake Panorama beyond the cost of the meal. Prices for 2024 Beach Club memberships remain the same as last year, and are:

Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700—includes table sponsorship, eight dinner tickets, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program; Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250—includes two dinner tickets, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program; and Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes table sponsorship, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program.

Individual meal tickets are $50. To register, contact Susan Thompson at 515-240-6536 or staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Funds will be raised with both live and silent auctions, plus a 50-50 raffle and a drawing that will use four decks of cards. At its April meeting, the Friends of Lake Panorama board voted to make the LPN Priority 1 capital campaign its main project for this year’s Beach Ball. This means a percentage of pooled funds raised, plus direct donations, will be set aside by Friends for the LPN improvement projects.

Auction items can be donated specifically for the LPN Priority 1 project. For example, Chris and Brenda Duree and Mike and Kelly Faga are donating an authentic Iowa barbecue dinner for 50 people. The menu includes baby back pork loin ribs, smoked, barbecued and shaved pork loin, bacon mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread and coleslaw. This event could be held at the home of the winning bidder, Boulder or Sunset Beach, or other suitable local venue.

Some other auction items designated for the LPN improvements include a Traeger wood pellet grill donated by Lake Panorama Realty; two Cleveland wedges and a Masters collectible print donated by Jim and Julie Tibbles; an Iowa State University basketball signed by men’s head coach T. J. Otzelberger, donated by Jay and Sue Merryman; St. Thomas beach framed prints, donated by Mare and Rick Langel; and a gift basket donated by Local Liquor.

Of special interest will be two photographs taken by Michael Kleinwolterink, the LPN pro shop manager who has worked for the LPN since he was a teenager. One was taken with his drone on the second night of men’s league play this year. This aerial photo features the golf course with a double rainbow created by a passing rain showed. The other photo was taken during the 2023 Fire in the Sky display. Both photos are printed on metal and ready to hang.

New this year on the live auction will be a half-day adventure with Maureen Lubeck in her recently restored 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe four-door sedan. This package includes a cruise around Lake Panorama for up to four people. First stop will be Twin Vines for an exclusive wine tasting that includes appetizers and choice of two bottles of wine to take home. Another stop could be to show off your special “ride” to friends, or other destination of your choosing. Then to The Port where each couple will receive a $100 gift certificate to use for drinks and dinner.

Other live auction items that have been popular at past Beach Balls are offered again this year. These include a Cyclone football package for the Nov. 2 ISU vs. Texas Tech game, which includes four tickets in the ISU Athletic Director Suite with Jamie Pollard, food and soft drinks during the game, and a VIP parking pass; a piece of jewelry custom-made by Gary Youngberg, owner of Ames Silversmithing; a set of four passenger car tires for any vehicle, donated by Scott Politte, president of Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; wine tasting for 20 at WineStyles in Johnston; two large inflatable Paradise Pads, donated by Mike and Austin Hayden; and a six-course gourmet meal for six with wine pairings, prepared, served and donated by Bill and Karen Fitzgerald.

Guests will find plenty of silent auction items to consider. These will include choice of two apple trees, delivered, planted and donated by Isom Tree Farms; ISU and Iowa birdhouses handmade by Steve Brannan; WeatherTech floormats from Stivers; handmade cutting boards; large potted plants; and a wide selection of gift baskets and gift cards.

Donated auction items will be accepted through June 19. Those interested in donating an auction item for the 2024 Beach Ball are asked to email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of Friends of Lake Panorama. A video loop available for viewing throughout the evening will feature photos of past projects. Details on all past and current projects are available on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page.

BENCHES, DISC GOLF SIGNS IN PLACE ON SOUTH SHORE

Another part of the south shore recreation area plan for low-impact amenities was completed just before Memorial Day weekend with the installation of five benches. The backless benches are made of recycled plastic in a cedar color, and are mounted on a metal base embedded in the ground. Two of these same benches were installed two years ago along the Panorama West Nature Trail.

Two of the new benches are along the shoreline portion of the walking trail, and offer sweeping views of Lake Panorama’s main basin. Two others are along the meadow portion of the trail. One offers a view of Lake Panorama’s dam, while the other is tucked into a shady area.

A fifth bench was donated by Lana Leander and Ryan Gruhn, and is located near the fifth tee box on the disc golf course. That hole is sponsored by Hawkeye Molding, a business the couple owns.

Others interested in discussing a bench donation for the south shore are asked to send an email to friendsoflakepanorama.org. 

The disc golf course has been open for play since last November. It features nine concrete tee pads, with nine metal basket targets. Nine tee box sponsors donated $1,000 each to Friends of Lake Panorama last fall to help with the cost of establishing the disc golf course. Each sponsor is recognized with a sign on a tee box.

In May, four informational signs were installed near the first tee. A large welcome sign is an aerial view of the south shore. It includes a course map, plus shows the location of the course in relation to the parking area, shelter and the beginning of the walking trail.

Three smaller signs are in the same location. One is a list of disc golf rules for recreational play.

Another is a sign about UDisc, which is an app that lists more than 14,000 courses worldwide, including the Lake Panorama course. Disc golfers use the UDisc app on their smart phones to keep score and navigate interactive course maps.

The third sign warns of the presence of poison ivy along the disc golf course fairways. While mowing and chemical broadleaf weed control should keep poison ivy out of the fairways, players will need to use caution if they enter the “rough” to retrieve an errant disc. The sign includes an image and description of poison ivy.

To get into the recreation area, there is a fenced driveway that begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot with walk-through access. Beyond the shelter with picnic table are two brown markers; one points right to the first hole of the golf course, the other points left to the beginning of the trail system.

The recreation area is open during daylight hours. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or running water; visitors should plan accordingly.

FUNDRAISING BEGINS FOR LPN GOLF COURSE IMPROVEMENTS

The stage is set for a fundraising campaign to pay for needed improvements at the Lake Panorama National golf course. The course first opened in 1971.

In the fall of 2023, the LPN board of managers began development of a comprehensive master plan for the golf course. This involved a thorough assessment of the course, with key personnel conducting a hole-by-hole golf course tour. The insights gained, combined with past planning documents, led to the identification and prioritization of key projects.

At its April 22 meeting, the LPN board approved a fundraising effort that focuses on Priority 1 projects identified in the LPN Golf Course Master Plan. Projects included in Priority 1 of the master plan include:

  • Forward Tee Boxes: Expand square footage, level, and sod with short variety Kentucky Bluegrass to accommodate increased play and allow for better turf recovery.

  • Main Tee Boxes: Level main Bentgrass tees and re-sod with Bentgrass. Final square footage will be based on construction bids and fundraising.

  • Railroad Ties and Landscaping: Remove of all railroad ties surrounding tee boxes. Where necessary, replace with a block retaining wall. Remove landscaping surrounding tee boxes to simplify maintenance and mowing.

  • Driving Range: Replace railroad ties with a block retaining wall. Add a synthetic grass tee line to the back of the tee box, to use when the natural turf needs time to recover.

  • Tee Signs: Install 18 cast metal tee signs with Granite Club sponsor signs and ball washers. Also, pour concrete pads on six holes for current and future memorial benches.

On April 8, Royce Shaffer, LPN director of operations, and Shanell Wagler, chair of the LPN board of managers, presented details of the LPN golf course master plan to the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors. They asked if donations to the Priority 1 projects could be funneled through Friends, which would allow donors who itemize at tax time the opportunity to deduct their donation.

After discussion, the Friends board approved a motion to partner with LPN to raise funds for Priority 1 projects. The Friends board also voted to make this effort the priority project for the 2024 Beach Ball fundraiser June 21.

The LPN board of managers set a $500,000 target for the first round of fundraising. As funds become available, bids will be solicited for Priority 1 projects. No fundraising deadline has been set, as funds will continue to be raised until projects are completed.

Future projects included in the LPN golf course master plan include needed improvements to the maintenance shop and equipment storage, irrigation pumps and pump house, bunkers, the pond that impacts holes 12 and 13, the pond on the ninth hole, and cart paths.

There is precedence for raising funds for LPN golf course improvements. To build Spikes in 2008, approximately $128,000 in cash was donated, plus an estimated $64,500 in the form of materials and labor, for a total value of $197,500. In 2010, two on-course bathrooms were built with $28,000 raised from 125 donors, and $25,000 was donated by an individual to renovate the pond on the seventh hole. Fountains in ponds all were donated. These projects all were done before Friends of Lake Panorama was formed in 2013.

Fundraising for the LPN Priority 1 projects is underway. While Friends of Lake Panorama has committed a percentage of funds raised at the 2024 Beach Ball to Priority 1, LPN staff and board are developing additional fundraising strategies. Efforts will target Lake Panorama Association property owners, LPN seasonal passholders, LPN daily fee and stay and play golfers, and businesses.

A fundraising golf tournament is being considered, along with other special events. Because much of the cost of the Priority 1 projects involves construction, in-kind contributions from contractors willing to provide services at no cost or reduced rates will be sought.

Donors contributing $500 or more will be recognized on both the Lake Panorama National Resort and Friends of Lake Panorama websites. All donors receive a tax receipt.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions—for donors who are required to take forced IRA distributions. There are potential tax-saving benefits when considering either of these direct donation strategies. Check with your financial advisor for details.

Direct donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2024 BEACH BALL JUNE 21

Registration now is open for the Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball fundraiser Friday, June 21. The Beach Ball will be held at the Lake Panorama National Resort event center, with all seating in the banquet room.

Registration will be 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., with a buffet dinner served beginning at 6 p.m. The menu includes pork loin, chicken, baked potato, garden salad, dinner rolls and dessert. Beverage service offering lemonade, tea and water is included with the meal. There will be a cash bar, which opens at 4:30 p.m.

There are several options for those interested in attending the event. Members of the Friends Beach Club provide additional financial support to Friends of Lake Panorama beyond the cost of the meal. Prices for 2024 Beach Club memberships remain the same as last year, and are:

Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700—includes table sponsorship, eight dinner tickets, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program; Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250—includes two dinner tickets, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program; and Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes table sponsorship, name in the 2024 Beach Ball program.

A limited number of individual meal tickets will be available at $50 each. Attendance will be capped at 225, so those interested are encouraged to finalize their plans as soon as possible. To register, contact Susan Thompson at 515-240-6536 or staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

At its April meeting, the Friends of Lake Panorama board voted to make the Lake Panorama National Golf Course Master Plan Priority 1 projects the focus of the 2024 Beach Ball. This means the LPN Priority 1 projects will receive a percentage of pooled funds raised, plus all direct donations designated specifically for the LPN project.

Funds will be raised with both live and silent auctions, plus other activities throughout the evening. Those who want to donate auction items specifically for the LPN Priority 1 projects can do so.

For instance, two couples are donating an authentic Iowa barbecue dinner for 50 people. Chris and Brenda Duree and Mike and Kelly Faga are the donors, and have asked the proceeds from this live auction item go to the LPN project. Their dinner menu includes baby back pork loin ribs, smoked, barbecued and shaved pork loin, bacon mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread and coleslaw. Also provided will be iced tea and lemonade, plasticware and napkins. This event could be held at the home of the winning bidder, Boulder or Sunset Beach, or other suitable local venue.

Several other auction items are committed that have been popular at past Beach Balls. These include a set of four passenger car tires for any vehicle, donated by Scott Politte, president of Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; a Cyclone football package for the Nov. 2 ISU vs. Texas Tech game, which includes four tickets in the ISU Athletic Director Suite with Jamie Pollard, food and soft drinks during the game, and a VIP parking pass; a piece of jewelry custom-made by Gary Youngberg, owner of Ames Silversmithing; Paradise Pad items, donated by Mike and Austin Hayden; and a six-course gourmet meal for six with wine pairings, prepared, served and donated by Bill and Karen Fitzgerald.

A new auction item this year is two apple trees, delivered, planted and donated by Isom Tree Farms, owned by Larry and Heather Isom. The winning bidder will be able to choose from several different apple varieties for their two trees.

Those interested in donating auction items for the 2024 Beach Ball are asked to email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of Friends of Lake Panorama. A video loop available for viewing throughout the evening will feature photos of past projects.

These include improvements to playgrounds at all three beaches, sports courts at both Boulder and Sunset beaches, dog park, recreational area on the south shore, enhancements to the Panorama West Nature Trail, more than 20 new benches at beaches and golf courses, and several smaller projects.

Details on all past and current projects are available on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page.

DONATED FUNDS RESULTS IN TREE PLANTINGS

In the early days of Lake Panorama’s development, pine trees lined both sides of Panorama Road at the main west entrance to the lake, north of what was originally a guard shack. As those trees reached the end of their life span, they were removed but no replacements were planted.

In 2012, LPA members provided the impetus for a fundraising campaign, and a number of trees were planted to replace those that were lost.

In recent years, at least another dozen trees along the west entrance have been removed, with both storm damage and disease being contributing factors. The trees planted in 2012 helped cushion the blow of these more recent losses, yet gaps remained where trees once stood.

Now trees have been replaced in that area, plus at both Sunset Beach and Boulder Beach. In January, the LPA partnered with Friends of Lake Panorama on a fundraising campaign. An original goal of $4,500 was set to plant 13 trees on the west side.

In March, donations reached $7,425. The extra funds made it possible to add more trees than planned to the west entrance and at Sunset Beach. Also, contacts were made with three donors who agreed to let their money be used for trees at Boulder Beach, where several ash trees recently were removed.

Larry and Heather Isom, who live on Burchfield Cove and own Isom Tree Farm, put together a plan for spending the donated funds.

During the last weekend in March, Larry Isom planted seven sugar maples with a tree spade. One was planted near the Sunset Beach sports court, with another in an open area at Boulder Beach. The remaining five were planted along the west entrance. The Isoms donated one of the sugar maples.

The last weekend in April, 15 nursery trees were planted, with two at Sunset Beach—a London planetree near the northwest corner of the sports court, and one autumn blaze maple near the northwest corner of the playground. Two autumn blaze maple, one red maple and one London planetree were planted at Boulder Beach. The remaining nine nursery trees were planted along the west entrance.

Donors to Friends of Lake Panorama for this tree planting project included John Miller, In Memory of Karen K. Miller; Jay & Sue Merryman; Kevin & Jackie Wellik; Michael & Barbara Bahde, In Memory of Keith & Helen Nelson; Bob & Carol Bender, In Honor of the Art Bender Family; John & Jennifer Dilley, In Memory of Jackie Berguin; James & Vickie Meyer; Dennis & Joyce Pickering; Rusty & Angie H. Smith, In Honor of John & Margie Herold; Brian & Jill Thompson; Steve & Danielle Navarro; Charles & Christine Woods; and Gary & Tamra Muhlbauer.

The Lake Panorama Association has committed to weekly watering of the trees along Panorama Road, as needed. Volunteers may be needed to water trees at Boulder Beach and Sunset Beach. Anyone interested in helping with tree watering at either of these two beaches is asked to contact Lane Rumelhart at the LPA office, 641-755-2301, or lrumelhart@lakepanorama.org.

DISC GOLF COURSE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

The disc golf course on Lake Panorama’s south shore has been open for play since last November, yet additional work is being done this spring. The course is one part of a plan for low-impact recreational amenities developed by Friends of Lake Panorama and approved by the LPA board.

John Worth, an LPA member who in 2019 volunteered to design a disc golf course at Lake Panorama, created the course to fit on land nestled between two sections of the Lake Panorama walking trails system.

“Due to the type of area the course is built on, all pretty deep woods, it is a non-typical course,” Worth says. “All the holes are shorter than an average course. The guideline is 200 to 400 feet, but the holes on this course run from 150 to 300 feet. This type of course is referred to as a ‘technical’ course, which means distances aren’t as long, and fairways are tighter, so your aim needs to be good.”

The course features nine concrete tee pads, with nine metal basket targets. Worth recently installed tee box signs showing distance and layouts for each hole, plus hole sponsors, with one near each of the nine tee boxes. He also installed three “caution – flying discs” signs in locations where the walking trail and disc golf fairways are close together.

Signs soon will be installed near the first tee that include a course map, rules and other details. Also there will be a sign about UDisc, which is an app that lists more than 14,000 courses worldwide. Disc golfers use the UDisc app on their smart phones to keep score and navigate interactive course maps. The Lake Panorama course is listed on UDisc.

In early May, a chemical control for broadleaf weeds will be applied on the course fairways. Soon after, a seed mixture that is a blend of grasses and white clovers will be spread. This perennial mix is designed to quickly produce cover, and grow in lower quality soils and areas with low sunlight. The goal is to eliminate weeds in the fairways, improve the turf, and make the course fairways low maintenance.

Worth has plans for another improvement to the course. He has chosen secondary positions for baskets on four holes. This is typical on disc golf courses, where extra “anchors” are installed and the baskets can be moved to different locations. These additional basket locations were incorporated into the full course sign and individual tee signs. These optional locations could be available within the next couple of months.

Another part of the south shore recreation area plan yet to be completed is the addition of five benches. These are ready to be installed when conditions allow, with two along the shoreline portion of the trail and two along the meadow portion. A bench donated by Lana Leander and Ryan Gruhn will be located near the fifth tee box on the disc golf course. That hole is sponsored by Hawkeye Molding, a business the couple owns.

Nine tee box sponsors donated $1,000 each to Friends of Lake Panorama last fall to help with the cost of establishing the disc golf course. Each sponsor is recognized with a sign on a tee box. The nine sponsors, in order from one to nine, are Sunset Realty; State Farm, Robert Carr; Panora Fiber; OvaEasy; Hawkeye Molding; Tuggle & Cates Family, Joshua & Mariah Tuggle; Mindy Larsen Poldberg Family; Martin - Flanery Ace Run, Jeff & Maria Martin; and Lake Panorama Realty.

To get into the recreation area, there is a fenced driveway that begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot with walk-through access. Beyond the shelter with picnic table are two brown markers; one points right to the first hole of the golf course, the other points left to the beginning of the trail system.

Two additional signs are on order, and will be installed as soon as these are received. One is a welcome sign that will be near the parking lot. It includes a graphic of Lake Panorama, history, donor recognition, emergency contact details and other information. The second sign will be installed at the beginning of the trail system. It includes a map of the trail system, trail option descriptions, and details on the native plants and wildlife along the trails.

The recreation area is open during daylight hours. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or running water; visitors should plan accordingly.

BLUEBIRD HOUSES ADDED TO SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA

A cooperative effort involving Panorama Schools, an LPA member and Friends of Lake Panorama led to the recent installation of 16 bluebird houses on Lake Panorama’s south shore.

Plans for low-impact recreational amenities on the south shore were developed over a two-year period by Friends of Lake Panorama and approved by the LPA board last summer. By the end of 2023, a disc golf course and trail system were ready for visitors. A small shelter and picnic table with a view of the main basin now are in place.

The plan also called for birdhouses throughout the recreation area. Steven Brannan, who has a home at Lake Panorama with his wife Rita, volunteered to build and donate bluebird houses for the south shore. Josh Arganbright gave Brannan the material.

“The birdhouses all are made of a composite material, so are low maintenance. It makes for cheap, affordable housing and I hope the birds like them,” Brannan says.

Mark Dorhout, Panorama middle school science teacher, offered to choose suitable birdhouse locations. Last fall, he enlisted the help of all 146 of his sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

“We looked at prominent places on the trail, if there was some short grass nearby, the amount of tree cover, and proximity to an additional perch. The males like to have a spot near the nest so they can keep an eye on things,” Dorhout says.

Funds donated to Friends of Lake Panorama for the south shore were used to purchase seven-foot metal posts. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in mid-March, Dorhout enlisted the help of Brannan and three eighth grade students to install 16 posts and attach 16 birdhouses.

Dorhout says bluebird pairs usually produce three to six pale blue colored eggs. “They start nesting around the first week of April, and it can continue until late June and into July,” he says. “The female is involved in the nest building and 18 days of incubation. They both are involved in feeding the young. They usually have more than one brood each year. Two is normal, but pairs can have three.”

This bluebird house effort ties into a learning project Dorhout has conducted with his students for three years. The first year, all middle school students were involved in building 20 birdhouses, which were installed on school grounds.

In the last two years, Dorhout’s seventh grade students built a total of 105 birdhouses. These were sent home with students for installation, along with a guide to help them choose good locations, and how to do follow-up monitoring.

“It's a citizen science project,” Dorhout says. “Using these birdhouses, the students learn about invasive species, such as house sparrows and European starlings that will try to take over bluebird houses. They also learn about the biology of cavity nesters, do quality research and enjoy being outdoors.”

In March Dorhout built three birdhouses himself and installed those on posts in front of three elementary classrooms. These are located on the nearby prairie he and his students helped establish over the past few years.

Students who take home birdhouses are given a check sheet to complete every two weeks through the spring and early summer. The students make notes about whether the house is occupied, number of eggs, chicks hatched, and evidence of predators or unwanted birds and pests.

Dorhout and a couple of students will do those same regular checks for the 16 new birdhouses on the south shore, and the three recently added to the school prairie. He and his students also will clean out the houses annually.

Prior to the birdhouse project, Dorhout introduced his middle school students to Lake Panorama’s south shore as part of his outdoor education efforts.

“We have done some longer walks there, looked at lake species, birdwatched and gathered water samples to do some rudimentary water analysis,” he says. “It's been awesome to be able to incorporate outdoor education into our regular curriculum. Kids of this generation sometimes find it difficult to connect to the out-of-doors. With this program, they gain the benefits of, and appreciation for, the outdoors.”

Another part of the south shore recreation area plan is adding benches. Five benches are ready to be installed when conditions allow, with two along the shoreline portion of the trail and two along the meadow portion. Another bench, donated by Lana Leander and Ryan Gruhn, will be located near the fifth tee box on the disc golf course.

To get into the recreation area, there is a fenced driveway that begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot with walk-through access. Beyond the shelter are two brown markers; one points right to the first hole of the golf course, the other points left to the beginning of the trail system.

The recreation area is open during daylight hours. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or running water; visitors should plan accordingly.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Throughout 2024, Friends of Lake Panorama will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office Nov. 1, 2013. The first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors was Dec. 3, 2013.

On Jan. 17, 2013, 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 nonprofit’s mission is to improve recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The charity is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors, which held its 2024 organizational meeting Nov. 29. 

At the meeting, two board members—Jody Muench and Jim Tibbles—were reappointed to new three-year terms. Other board members are Galen Johnson, John Muenzenberger, Jan Reinicke, Jackie Wellik and Bill Winkleblack.

In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Tibbles vice president, and Muenzenberger secretary-treasurer. Susan Thompson is the non-profit’s executive director.

With the help of many donors and the Lake Panorama Association, Friends has had a busy 10 years. Sunset Beach playground opened in July 2016. Boulder Beach sports courts opened in June 2018.

Many other successful projects followed, and include Shady and Boulder beaches playground improvements, Panorama West rain garden, dog park, Sunset Beach sports court, Panorama West Nature Trail, LPN Shade sails, and 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 estate gift turned an already good golf course into something truly special.

The current priority project is a package of low-impact recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s south shore. The Lake Panorama trails system, with a cross country trail for the Panorama Community Schools incorporated into it, is marked and open. 

Also complete are a fenced driveway to a parking lot that provides walk-through access to the recreation area, and a small shelter near the parking lot. The disc golf course is open for play, with signage to be added in the spring. Also in the spring, a picnic table will be added to the shelter, informational signs will be installed, and benches and bluebird houses will be placed throughout the recreational area. 

More than $7,500 was donated to Friends of Lake Panorama in the final two months of 2023. Currently, donors giving to Friends can designate their gift to the Lake Panorama south shore recreation area, a tree planting project on the lake’s west side, and the Friends general fund.

Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions.

Those with questions or comments about Friends of Lake Panorama can send an email to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

FUNDRAISING CONTINUES FOR WEST SIDE TREES

To date, $1,250 has been raised to plant trees along the main west entrance to Lake Panorama. In recent years, more than a dozen trees along Panorama Road north of the guard shack were removed because of storm damage and disease. Another $2,500 is needed to cover the cost of planting 11 trees in this area.

LPA has partnered with Isom Tree Farm on a plan to plant four sugar maple trees using a tree spade, plus seven nursery trees, along Panorama Road. The nursery trees will include red maples, London planetrees and Autumn Blaze Maples.

Friends of Lake Panorama is managing fundraising for this project. Donors of $500 or more can make their donation in honor or memory of someone, and will be recognized on the Friends website. Larger and smaller donations also are welcome. All donors will be listed in the LPA Prompt and Lake Panorama Times.

Donations to Friends are tax-deductible; donors receive a letter of thanks to use during tax preparation. Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

SOUTH SHORE RECREATIONAL AREA NOW OPEN

Both the disc golf course and the trail system on Lake Panorama’s south shore now are ready for visitors. The plan for these low-impact recreational amenities was developed by Friends of Lake Panorama and approved by the LPA board. 

A fenced driveway begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot that allows walk-through access to the recreation area. A small shelter near the parking lot is in place; a picnic table will be added in the spring. Beyond the shelter are two markers, one points right to the first hole of the golf course, the other points left to the trail system.

The disc golf course features nine concrete tee pads, with nine metal basket targets. Tee box signs showing hole distance and layout, plus hole sponsors, will be in place next spring.

The Lake Panorama disc golf course now is listed on UDisc, which is an app that lists more than 14,000 courses worldwide. Disc golfers use the UDisc app on their smart phones to keep score and navigate interactive course maps.

The Lake Panorama trail system has brown fiberglass trail markers located at trail system junctions, marked on both sides with colored arrows. There are five trail options, each designated with a different color. Those who start at the trailhead and do the full loop to the shoreline and back up through the meadow area to return to the parking lot will walk two miles. Other trail options offer shorter distances.  

The recreation area is open during daylight hours. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or running water; visitors should plan accordingly. Members and their guests who have registered with the LPA can hunt deer on the south shore from Nov. 1 through Jan. 10. The area is restricted to bow hunting.

Next spring, 18 bluebird houses will be installed along the trails. If funds allow, four backless benches also will be installed along the trail, with two near the shoreline and two in the meadow area.

The estimated cost to develop this new recreational area is $35,000. Over the past two years, Friends of Lake Panorama has received $11,000 in private donations for projects on the south shore. Another $4,000 has been donated this fall. Some funds are available from the 2023 Beach Ball, and disc golf course tee box sponsors.

Additional donations are being sought. A welcome sign near the shelter will be added in the spring. It will include a Lake Panorama map, general information about the south shore recreation area, and a list of donors who have given $500 or more to this project by Dec. 31, 2023.

Tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

DISC GOLF COURSE NEARING COMPLETION

A nine-hole disc golf course on Lake Panorama’s south shore soon will be a reality. The course is one part of a package of low-impact recreational amenities developed by Friends of Lake Panorama and approved by the LPA board of directors at its July 25 meeting.

Building a disc golf course at Lake Panorama has been discussed for more than five years. In April 2019, the Friends board of directors conducted a survey to gather input from Lake Panorama Association members and help prioritize future projects. Ten possible projects were proposed for consideration.

As a result of that survey, the Friends board, in cooperation with the LPA, has completed several projects that ranked high on the survey. These include new playground equipment at Shady and Boulder beaches, Panorama West Nature Trail, dog park and a sports court at Sunset Beach.

The survey results also showed interest in a trail system on the south shore, and a disc golf course somewhere within the Lake Panorama community.

In the comments section of the survey, LPA member John Worth volunteered to design a nine-hole course for Lake Panorama, and help guide its construction. After meeting with the Friends board and LPA staff, he scouted several locations and found the south shore to be ideal.

“My interest in disc golf goes back to my high school days in Atlantic in the late 1970s when frisbees were common amongst the young crowd,” Worth says. “We used to practice our fancy throwing and catching skills in parking lots along the main drag for all to see. We heard people were using frisbees to play a golf game so we gave it a try in the local park. We laid out a few holes, using trees as targets, and I haven’t quit playing since.”

In 2007, one of Worth’s good friends became the Atlantic Park and Recreation director. “We were quick to start scheming how to get an official disc course in Atlantic,” Worth says. “Thanks to some very dedicated and persistent individuals, a new course was installed within the next two years. I was able to provide some input on the course layout and volunteered many hours to help install and groom the course.”

Worth and his wife Angie lived in Atlantic most of their lives, pursued their careers and raised three children. “As we became empty nesters and started thinking about retirement, we moved fulltime to Lake Panorama in 2016,” Worth says. “The lake is a very special place to us. We love the relaxing environment and have made many dear friends here. We also enjoy making memories with our three children and five grandchildren.”

Worth retired in January 2022 from a career in manufacturing, where he worked initially as an engineer and then in management. With their move to Lake Panorama, Angie Worth started a new career in real estate and is part owner of Sunset Realty.

Construction on the Lake Panorama disc golf course began Oct. 4. “The course is literally cut out through the wooded area on the east side of the south shore,” Worth says. “Each hole is a Par 3, bringing the total par for a round of nine holes to 27. The holes range in distance from 155 feet to 320 feet long.”

Though John Worth did much of the course design, he got some help from his son, Jesse Worth. “Jesse cut his disc golf teeth on the makeshift course we had in the Atlantic park,” Worth says. “When he headed to Iowa State in 2006, he discovered two 18-hole disc golf courses in Ames. That’s when Jesse and I switched our disc gear to the smaller diameter, official golfing discs. Jesse was very helpful in thinking through how a new course would best fit into the south shore area.”  

Jesse now lives in Ames with his wife Leah and their daughter, and works for Hawkeye Molding in Roland. On a visit to Lake Panorama in mid-October, he and his dad spent a sunny afternoon testing out the course.

“It was fairly surreal to experience the course for the first time,” Jesse says. “The mix of shots through nine holes play well and feel balanced. It’s exciting to think of the course really establishing itself in the coming years. I know it’s going to be well received by the community.”

Another experienced disc golfer played a practice round at the Lake Panorama disc golf course in October, before the tee boxes and baskets were installed. Josh Tuggle and his wife Mariah live in Bloomington, Minnesota. Mariah’s parents, Paul and Marcia Cates, have a house on Lake Panorama.

Tuggle grew up in Norwalk, attended Iowa State University, and graduated with a construction engineering degree. He works as a design manager for a company that builds utility scale solar plants across the country.

“My brother Ryan got me hooked on disc golf a few years ago, and I got Mariah into it as well,” Tuggle says. “I have played 120 courses in 21 states, but mainly in Minnesota and Iowa. I’m a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association, and now play at the highest level. The past few years, I’ve played in about 10 tournaments each year.”

Tuggle has followed the development of the Lake Panorama disc golf course. When tee box sponsors were being sought for each of the nine holes, he decided to sponsor the sixth hole. The sponsor sign on that hole will be “Tuggle & Cates Family.” 

What did Tuggle like about the course in his exploratory round? “The course has a variety of shots and fun lines,” he says. “It may be on the shorter side, but still is a great challenge with the wooded holes.”

Tuggle offered this advice to those who might be trying the sport for the first time, because of the Lake Panorama course. “It can be overwhelming to pick some discs as a beginner. I recommend going to a store and picking a nice putter and midrange that feel good in your hands,” he says. “Most people go after the drivers when picking some first discs, but it's better to start slow.”

The other eight tee box sponsors for the Lake Panorama disc golf course are: #1-Sunset Realty; #2-State Farm Insurance, Robert Carr; #3-Panora Fiber; #4-OvaEasy; #5-Hawkeye Molding; #7-Aaron & Mindy Poldberg Family; #8-Martin-Flanery Ace Run; and #9-Lake Panorama Realty.

John Worth has played more than 30 disc golf courses in Iowa, and a few out of state. “It’s such a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise,” he says. “There is a concrete tee pad on each hole, which is used to throw your first shot from. From there you simply throw your next shot from where your ‘drive’ or last shot landed. Keep going until you land your disc in the target, which is a metal wire basket that uses hanging chains to deflect the disc into the basket.” 

Worth encourages the interested and the curious to walk the course. “I think many will return with a disc in hand to give it a try,” Worth says. “You can use any flying disc you have at home. Once you are hooked, you will want to purchase official disc golfing discs. These come in three categories—drivers, midranges, putters—each intended for different throwing distances. Having one of each type is a great starting point, and are readily available at sporting goods stores.”

The course will be playable once tee pads are poured and baskets have been installed. Information on the opening date will be provided in the LPA Prompt and on the Friends of Lake Panorama Facebook page.

Signage won’t be in place until next spring. There will be a tee sign adjacent to each tee box showing the hole distance and layout, a hole sponsorship sign on each hole, and a large sign near the first tee box. The large sign will include a map of the disc golf course, and general information about the course. There also will be separate signs here for disc golf course rules, and the UDisc app.

Disc golfers use the UDisc app on their smart phones to keep score and navigate interactive maps of disc golf courses. UDisc, LLC, was co-founded in 2012 by Matt Krueger and Josh Lichti, two computer engineers who bonded over coursework and disc golf at Iowa State University. UDisc has grown from a hobby project to a tool that covers more than 14,000 courses worldwide.

Beyond the disc golf course, other portions of the Friends of Lake Panorama plans for the south shore also are progressing. A fenced driveway at the south end of Chimra Road and a parking lot that provides walk-through access to the recreation area is complete. A small shelter near the parking lot is in place, and where a picnic table will be added in the spring.

The Lake Panorama trail system with a variety of distances is complete. Those who start at the trailhead and do the full loop down to the shoreline and back up through the meadow area to return to the parking lot will have walked two miles. In addition, four places where the riprap contractor widened existing trails to get to the shoreline are offered as trail options.

Brown fiberglass trail markers have been installed at each junction of the trail system, and are marked on each side with colored arrows.

There are five trail options, each designated with a different color. The original two-mile loop is the “green” trail. People who start at the trailhead and choose the first option they reach, the “red” trail, will walk sixth-tenths of a mile. The other three options offer distances of 1.1 miles (blue), 1.6 miles (yellow), and 2 miles (orange). This final loop results in walking the same distance as the original loop, but the terrain and views provide a different experience. 

Next spring, benches and bluebird houses will be installed along the trails throughout the recreational area. Three large metal signs also will be in place by spring. One will be near the shelter and include a Lake Panorama map, general information about the south shore project, and a list of donors who give $500 or more to the project by Dec. 31, 2023. Other signs will be posted near the first hole of the disc golf course and the Lake Panorama trailhead.

The estimated cost of these recreational amenities is $35,000. Over the past two years, Friends has received $11,000 in private donations for projects on the south shore. Some funds also are available from the 2023 Beach Ball, and disc golf course tee box sponsors.

Tax-deductible donations for south shore projects can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.