At its July meeting, the Lake Panorama National (LPN) board of managers approved a renovation project for the golf course driving range. The board plans to complete the project this fall, with the timeline dependent on donations received.
The current tee box has a deteriorating railroad tie retaining wall that needs replaced. It also is undersized, requiring the golf maintenance staff to position bag stands in front of the tee to encourage turf recovery after periods of heavy use.
The project will include removing the deteriorating railroad tie wall, extending the tee box to the west, and installing a new block retaining wall.
At the back of the tee box, a new synthetic grass tee line will be installed. This will help protect the natural turf, plus provide a better teeing option when the natural turf area is closed.
Edging will be installed around the tee line and along the mulch bed on the north side of the tee box for a polished appearance and easier mowing. In addition, new bag stands will be purchased.
This renovation will be paid for with donations made to the LPN Capital Fundraising Campaign. The project is estimated at $48,000, with $44,500 available as of Aug. 31. LPN offered a special promotion through that date to encourage donations.
All those who donated $500 or more through Aug. 31 were entered into a drawing to win a 2026 LPN single golf pass, plus choice of trail fee or cart seat included. The drawing was held Sept. 2, and the winner was Larry Babcock.
The Lake Panorama National Resort capital fundraising campaign is in its second year. Since the campaign launched in summer 2024, $117,500 has been raised.
Fundraising is ongoing. Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with Lake Panorama National on this campaign, so all contributions are tax-deductible.
There are three ways to donate. By check, payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216; via Venmo at www.venmo.com/Panorama-Friends; and by credit card at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org/donate. If using a credit card, donors are asked to add an additional $15 for every $500 donated to cover processing fees. More information is available at lakepanoramanational.com/capital-fundraising-campaign.