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.