Fundraising is underway for a dog park at Lake Panorama, with $500 donations from two couples kicking off the campaign the week of September 21. Friends of Lake Panorama is managing the donations, with a goal of $50,000 to build the park and provide all desired amenities.
Because Friends is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity, all donations are tax deductible. Donors of at least $500 will be recognized on a sign at the dog park, plus on the Friends website.
If the needed funds are raised, the facility will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground.
A volunteer committee is planning a day-long Octoberfest event for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lake Panorama National. The day includes three components, all designed to increase awareness of the dog park plan, while raising money and collecting donations.
First up is a “Going to the Dogs” walk or run that will be held 8-9:30 a.m. on the back nine cart paths of the LPN golf course. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether they want to walk or run with or without a dog. The event will begin and end at Spikes. No pre-registration is needed, just arrive at Spikes between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to check in. Freewill donations are encouraged.
A tent will be set up between the #12 green and #13 tee box, where volunteers will provide information, take donations and show the layout and location of the proposed park.
Second on the agenda is a nine-hole, four-person best shot golf tournament, with a shotgun start at 2:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, with $20 going directly to the dog park. Sign up a four-person team, or the pro shop will create teams from singles or couples.
Play will be on the back nine only, with a stop available between holes 12 and 13 to pick up information and view the dog park location. Check-in at Spikes at 2 p.m. Participants can register and pay in advance in the pro shop, or pay that day. Call the pro shop at 641-755-2024 to register.
An open house will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the LPN banquet room. Free wine and beer samples, plus complimentary appetizers, will be available. There also will be a cash bar. Information about the dog park will be on display, with committee members available to answer questions, and donations accepted. Several items will be available in a general raffle, plus a 50/50 raffle will be conducted.
Plans for the park include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, with chain link fence dividing the two areas. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog or small dog areas.
Crushed rock will create a 5' wide walking path along and under the fencing to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging. A small gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park.
Amenities inside the park fence included in the $50,000 cost estimate are four benches, four stations where bags for dog waste would be available, and two domed waste receptacles. A dual station pet fountain placed in the fence line between the two sections would make it possible for dogs to access drinking water from either side.
The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Signs will be posted for responsible use, with volunteers helping decide on these rules as fundraising is underway.
Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should designate the funds are for the dog park.