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.