The Friends of Lake Panorama’s mailbox was filled with good news throughout December and the first two weeks of 2017. During that six-week period, $17,000 was received to help build new sports courts at Boulder Beach.
That $17,000, added to $8,000 donated in 2014 for an earlier sports courts proposal, means the nonprofit charity is halfway to its first fundraising goal of $50,000. Once Friends raises $50,000, the LPA has committed another $50,000.
Another piece of good news came in the form of a note from an anonymous donor. Once the $100,000 level is reached, this anonymous donor will contribute $25,000 for a dedicated basketball court.
The Friends nonprofit is separate from the Lake Panorama Association, and has a goal of improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. It received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in July 2014. All contributions are tax deductible, and all donors receive a letter of thanks as their receipt.
The main structure will be a concrete slab featuring two regulation-sized tennis courts with both tennis and pickle ball lines. A PowerGame two-tiered surface will be placed over the concrete base.
This modular flooring features a locking system, so no glues or anchors are needed. The five-eighths inch high, self-draining surface stays clean by allowing water, dirt and debris to drain through. The cushioned design provides shock absorption to help reduce joint stress and fatigue.
These courts will be surrounded by a 10’ tall chain link, black vinyl fence. There will be one gate, two nets and support poles. This project is estimated at $125,000.
The basketball court will be a bit smaller than regulation size at 50’ 5” x 78’ 8”. The concrete will be marked for two half courts, with two basketball hoop systems installed. The $25,000 estimated price tag does not include fencing or the PowerGame surface.
In 2014, Friends proposed renovating the courts at Lake Panorama National, and adding a separate basketball court. While some donors contributed to that project, it didn’t generate enough interest to be viable. Now, the $8,000 from those early donors will be used for this new sports courts project.
The goal of the Friends board is to have the new sports courts installed in 2017. While donations of all sizes are welcome, only donors of $500 or more are recognized on the Friends website. A sign listing these larger donors will be erected near the courts.
Donations can be made in someone’s memory or in honor of someone. Checks can be mail to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. A donation form is available on the Friends website, which can be completed and sent with the check. Donations also can be accepted electronically on the website at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, and will be sold once transferred, with the proceeds deposited into the Friends bank account. A securities account has been established with GCSB Investment Center in Panora.
While the Friends board has made fundraising for the sports courts its current priority, donations can be made to five other funds or a combination of funds.
There is a general fund, plus funds for Boulder Beach, Shady Beach and Sunset Beach. There also is a Golf Course Beautification fund, which allows donors to choose either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West. Money donated to this fund could be used for golf course landscaping, benches and pond riprap.
Questions regarding the Friends of Lake Panorama can be sent to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.