JUNE 16 BEACH BALL FUNDRAISER FILLING UP

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s sixth Beach Ball fundraiser is Friday, June 16, at the Lake Panorama National event center. Twenty tables of eight now are filled, with another five pending. Attendance will be capped at 240 people, so those interested are encouraged to finalize their plans by June 1.

All seating will be in the LPN banquet room, with tables tastefully decorated by volunteers using a common nautical theme. Registration will be at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., with a buffet dinner served beginning at 6 p.m. The menu includes pork loin, chicken, Church Lady potatoes, garden salad, fresh mixed vegetables, dinner rolls, and peach cobbler with fresh whipped cream. Beverage service offering coffee, tea and water is included with the meal. There will be a cash bar.

There are several options for those interested in attending the event. Members of the Friends Beach Club provide additional financial support to Friends of Lake Panorama beyond the cost of the meal. Prices for Beach Club memberships are:

Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700—includes table sponsorship, eight dinner tickets, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program; Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250—includes two dinner tickets, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program; and Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes table sponsorship, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program.

There will be a limited number of individual meal tickets available for $50 each. The 2023 Beach Ball will include a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions.

A few items already committed for the live auction are a set of four passenger car tires for any vehicle, up to a $1,400 value, donated by Scott Politte, president of Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; a Cyclone football package for the Sept. 23 ISU vs. Oklahoma State game, which includes four tickets in the ISU Athletic Director Suite with Jamie Pollard, food and soft drinks during the game, and a parking pass; custom made pendant necklace donated by Ames Silversmithing; football and basketball signed by ISU coaches and donated by Jay and Sue Merryman; and a six-course gourmet meal for six with wine pairings, prepared and donated by Bill and Karen Fitzgerald.

The silent auction will feature several gift baskets filled with local products and donated by local businesses; gift cards; three bottles of InGeniOz Vodka donated by Hans Van Leeuwen; set of custom WeatherTech floor mats, any make and model, donated by Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; and two bluebird houses, one for Iowa State University fans and one for University of Iowa fans, handcrafted and donated by Steve Brannan.

Funds raised at this year’s Beach Ball will support enhancements to a trail system on Lake Panorama’s south shore. Funds also may be used for additional low-impact recreational amenities on the south shore, which are under discussion between Friends of Lake Panorama and the LPA board of directors.

For those who can’t attend the Beach Ball, yet want to support recreational enhancements on the south shore, tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Additional items for both the live and silent auction are needed. As of May 1, reservations were at about two-thirds capacity, leaving room for perhaps 80 additional participants. Those interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, purchasing dinner tickets, or donating items for the live and silent auctions, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, 515-240-6536.

EVENT JUNE 4 TO PROMOTE PANORAMA WEST TRAIL

A special event to introduce more users to the Panorama West Nature Trail is planned for Sunday, June 4. Friends of Lake Panorama encourages LPA members and guests to ‘take a hike’ on the trail during that day. Bottled water, coffee and cookies will be available in the Panorama West golf course clubhouse from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Trail visitors are invited to stop in during those hours before or after their hike.

A total of $5,000 from the 2021 Beach Ball was committed by the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors to the Panorama West Nature Trail, plus some private donations were received. A volunteer task force identified portions of an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams to create this designated nature trail.

In late October 2022, seven posts with directional signage and a trailhead sign were installed, plus two benches. Parking is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road just south of the Panorama West clubhouse. Signs pointing to the trail were installed on the same post as the Nicholl Drive street sign.

The trailhead sign at the end of Nicholl Drive features a drawing of the trail. Users are encouraged to take a photo of the drawing to help guide them on the trail. Users also are encouraged to begin their hike at this location, rather than attempting to join the trail from the north, because no trail markers have been placed at previous access points   

At the three-quarters mile mark, there is an optional three-quarters of a mile loop. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles. The trail winds through grassy open areas and timber, and does not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of the trail may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles.

By this fall, the Panorama Community Schools cross country team will be practicing and competing on a new trail on Lake Panorama’s south shore. The cross country trail will begin on school property, continue onto the south shore for much of the course, and loop back to end on school property. This will be part of a larger trail system that is in the works for the south shore.

SUNSET BEACH SPORTS COURT COMPLETED

The new sports court at Sunset Beach was completed the last week in November. The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors had discussed a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach for several years. The LPA board approved the project in June 2021.

The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised at a Friends informational meeting at Sunset Beach last summer. Adding an extra 10-feet to the original plan made it possible to accommodate both basketball and pickleball.

A total of $17,500 from the Friends of Lake Panorama’s 2022 Beach Ball was earmarked for this project. Mark and Karen Einck donated $25,000 for the court, with another $5,500 received from other donors.

The 40-foot by 60-foot concrete pad was poured Oct. 26. Sport Construction Midwest employees installed a Goalsetter MVP hoop, placed sports court tile on the concrete, and painted lines for both basketball and pickleball. An eight-foot fence with one gate surrounds the court.

Black paint shows the basketball free throw line, lane and three-point arc. The basketball lane is green tile. The regulation-sized pickleball court also is green tile, painted with white lines. The rest of the court is covered in blue tile.

A portable pickleball net on wheels has been purchased that can be stored along the fence when not in use, and rolled into place when desired. It will be added to the court in the spring. 

Also in the spring, the ground around the court that was disturbed during construction will be seeded to grass, and white gravel will be added around the perimeter of the fence to act as a weed barrier and fill in the small gap between the fence and the court.

Two signs will be added to the fence in spring 2023. One will recognize donors who gave $500 or more to the sports court project. The other will state dogs are not allowed on the court.

PANORAMA WEST NATURE TRAIL SLATED FOR COMPLETION THIS FALL

The final pieces of a project that received 2021 Beach Ball funding are expected to fall into place in the next few weeks. A total of $5,000 was committed to the Panorama West Nature Trail, plus some private donations were received.

A survey conducted in April 2019 by Friends of Lake Panorama showed strong LPA member interest in walking trails at Lake Panorama. A Friends board task force was created to explore options. It was decided an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams would be perfect as a designated nature trail.

Approval by the LPA board at its August meeting to allow the school to move cross country practices and meets to the south shore means the Panorama West trail won’t be used by the school after the 2022 season.

Seven trail marker posts with directional signage to keep users on the official trail, a trailhead sign, and two street signs for Nicholl Drive will be installed by LPA maintenance staff in the near future.

Parking for the Panorama West Nature Trail is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road just south of the Panorama West clubhouse. The trailhead sign that will be installed near the parking area features a drawing of the trail created by Dan Badding.

At the three-quarters mile mark, there is an optional three-quarters of a mile loop. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles. Two backless benches recently were installed along the trail.

The trail winds through grassy open areas and timber, and does not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of the trail may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles.

At its Sept. 19 meeting, the Friends of Lake Panorama board reviewed the financials for the Panorama West Nature Trail. Because of the level of private donations received for this project, only $2,000 of the $5,000 allocated from the 2021 Beach Ball was needed. The remaining $3,000 will be moved to a fund for the trail network being developed on Lake Panorama’s south shore.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA BOARD ALLOCATES 2022 BEACH BALL FUNDS

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s Beach Ball July 22 had a profit of $30,000. At its Sept. 19 meeting, the Friends board of directors decided some funds will be used for projects to be completed this fall, with remaining funds set aside for future projects.

The Friends board earmarked $17,500 of 2022 Beach Ball proceeds for a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. The LPA board approved this project at its June 2021 meeting. Now plans have expanded to make it possible for those interested to also play pickleball on the court.

The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised at an informational meeting at Sunset Beach earlier this summer. Plans for a 40-feet by 50-feet court were underway, but going to 40-feet by 60-feet makes it possible to accommodate pickleball. A portable net on wheels will be stored to one side of the court.

Sport Construction Midwest, headquartered in Adel, was the vendor for the Boulder Beach sports courts and now is assisting with the Sunset Beach sports court. Once the concrete pad is ready, company employees will install a new Goalsetter MVP hoop, place sports court tile on the concrete, and paint lines for both basketball and pickleball. An eight-feet high fence and one gate will finish off this project.

Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, now have donated $25,000 for the Sunset Beach court. Another $5,000 in donations also has been received. Donations for this project will continue to be accepted through Nov. 1, with donors of $500 or more recognized on a sign at the court. If more money is raised than needed for the court, extra funds will be used for one or more benches near the court.

Construction on the new sports court at Sunset Beach will begin in October, and weather permitting, the project will be done this fall.

The Friends board also voted to use $4,500 raised at the 2022 Beach Ball to purchase benches and trees for the Lake Panorama dog park. Two metal benches and four Autumn Blaze Maples from Isom Tree Farm have been purchased. The six-foot benches will be placed on concrete pads, with one near each of the two sugar maple trees donated and planted a year ago by Isom Tree Farm.

Larry Isom installed the four new maple trees Oct. 7, volunteering his time to plant and water the trees. Two went into each side of the dog park, and are planted so the three trees on each side will form a canopy of shade as they mature.

The dog park, which opened June 10, is available during daylight hours. There are two sides, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. It is at the corner of Sage Trail and East RV Road, near the east campground. The park was financed by $50,000 in donations through the Friends of Lake Panorama.

The remaining 2022 Beach Ball profits will be held in reserve until these projects are complete. Additional allocations will be made at a later date, with at least some going to support enhancements to the walking and cross country trail network on Lake Panorama’s south shore.

Tax-deductible donations to the Sunset Beach sports court, the south shore trail system, or the Friends general fund can be made at any time by check payable to Friends and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

LPA BOARD APPROVES PLANS FOR TRAILS ON SOUTH SHORE

At its Aug. 30 meeting, the LPA board approved a proposal from Friends of Lake Panorama that will make improvements to existing trails on the south shore of Lake Panorama’s main basin.

The board also approved Friends and LPA staff working with Panorama Community Schools personnel to move the cross country team trail from Panorama West to the south shore. The school has committed funds to help improve the existing trail, and also provide ongoing maintenance assistance.

The cross country trail will begin on school property, continue onto the south shore for much of the course, and loop back to end on school property. All parking and restrooms for cross country meets will be on school property. This loop will be a total of 3.1 miles.

The south shore has several existing trail sections that will be combined into a single structure offering a variety of lengths and difficulty. Users will be able choose a combination of loops based on the total distance they want to walk.

Final details for the trail system will be developed after the south shore rip rap repair project is complete. That is expected to begin this fall and may continue into spring 2023.

Results of a survey about possible projects on the south shore were discussed, prior to board action on the trails. At its May meeting, the LPA board approved a proposal presented by Friends of Lake Panorama that included ideas for various recreational amenities that could be incorporated into the south shore. At its July meeting, the board asked LPA staff to conduct a survey to gather member input on key items included in the plan.

That survey was open for three weeks in August, and included a link to the Friends proposal. A total of 667 people responded to the survey. Questions about each of the projects included in the Friends proposal were asked, covering trails, disc golf, a small shelter house and a fishing dock.

The majority of respondents supported all projects mentioned. A question about a possible walking trail showed the most support, with more than 60 percent of respondents supporting this project, with another 20 percent neutral, and 17 percent opposed. A yes/no question about the Panorama cross country teams being able to use a trail on the south shore for practice and meets received 366 yes votes, 152 neutral votes and 144 no votes.

A final question gave respondents the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. It was agreed at the Aug. 30 board meeting that LPA staff and Friends representatives will continue to research options for a disc golf course and a dock on the south shore. Friends will return to a future LPA board meeting for further discussion on these topics.

2022 BEACH BALL RAISES $30,000

An estimated 175 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2022 Beach Ball July 22 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. After expenses, the event had a profit of more than $30,000.

The Friends board will meet in mid-September to discuss how to allocate the funds. Publicity in advance of the Beach Ball said profits would be used to support a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach, and recreational projects on the south shore, such as walking trails and a disc golf course.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces were used for the Beach Ball. Outside tables were under tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. Little Joe McCarthy, a singer and songwriter who lives in Omaha, provided live music under an outdoor tent.

For the second year in a row, individuals and businesses became Friends Beach Club members to support this event. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while also making an extra donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.

There were 11 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $700 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Fifteen couples spent $250 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with 12 businesses or individuals donating $150 to sponsor a table.

There were 76 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in $7,500, up $2,500 from 2021. The live auction of 11 items raised $17,650, up from $8,000 last year. Two items in particular gave a big boost to this year’s live auction total.

One was the Iowa State University Cyclone football package, offered by Jamie Pollard, ISU athletic director, who owns a Lake Panorama home with his wife Ellen. It included four tickets in the athletic director’s suite in the Jacobsen Building in the north end zone for the Sept. 24 ISU versus Baylor football game. This package also included a parking pass, plus food and soft drinks during the game. Several bidders were interested, and drove the price steadily higher. In the end, Tom and Rodie Gibson were the winning bidders at $4,250.

Another live auction item that generated spirited bidding was the six-course gourmet dinner for six, with a different wine paired with each course. This is the second year this has been offered by LPA members Bill and Karen Fitzgerald. The dinner is served in the winning bidder’s home, prepared and served by the Fitzgeralds. At the 2021 Beach Ball, this dinner sold at live auction for $2,000. This year, the dinner went for $4,000. Because of strong interest from bidders, the Fitzgeralds offered a second gourmet dinner, which sold for $3,500.

Laura Kemble won the 50/50 raffle, then donated her winnings back to Friends. That led to the raffle bringing in $2,450, up $200 from last year.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time, and can be designated for a current or future project, or for the general fund to be allocated by the Friends board. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216.

Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit cards are accepted on the Friends website, although Friends is charged a 2.9% processing fee on these donations. Donors are asked to consider increasing their donation to help cover this additional cost.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on signs erected near specific projects they designate, and on the donor page of the Friends website. More information is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

TICKETS REMAIN FOR JULY 22 BEACH BALL FUNDRAISER

Plenty of tickets and a few table sponsorship opportunities remain for the fifth Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball fundraiser. The event will be Friday, July 22, at Lake Panorama National. Plans include 30 round tables with seating for eight at each, with a choice of tables in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents.

The Friends board met June 27 and decided to channel all Beach Ball profits to two projects. One is a multi-use recreational area on Lake Panorama’s south shore that received approval from the LPA board of directors at its May 24 meeting. Items in this recreational concept include a disc golf course, walking trails, fishing dock, bird houses and a small picnic shelter.

Another project approved by the LPA board in June 2021 that will receive 2022 Beach Ball funding is a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. More information will be available at the event, and attendees will be able to make direct donations to specific projects.

Those attending the Beach Ball have several price levels from which to choose. Friends Beach Club members make an additional contribution to Friends, and get some extras. The levels are:

Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; 8 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 20 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250—includes 2 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 5 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

Dinner tickets are available at a cost of $50 each. Since the LPN kitchen staff recently resigned, arrangements have been made with a caterer to provide the meal. Cash bars will be available both inside and outside beginning at 4:30 p.m. and running through the evening. The buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

To become a Friends Beach Club member, or purchase just dinner tickets, contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536. Those who have items to donate for either the live or silent auction are asked to contact Thompson with details of the item and to arrange pickup or delivery.

Registration will begin in the LPN dining room at 4:30 p.m. and run for one hour. Tickets for the 50/50 raffle will be sold at registration and throughout the evening, cash only. Little Joe McCarthy will provide live music outdoors, where there will be extra chairs available for those who are seated at tables inside but want to enjoy the music for a while.

A wide selection of gift baskets, artwork, home décor items, golf packages, gift cards and much more will be available for bidding in the silent auction. The drawing for the 50/50 raffle winner will take place right before the live auction begins. The silent auction will end at the same time.

Some items of interest to Iowa State fans that will be in the live auction include a football signed by ISU Coach Matt Campbell and a basketball signed by ISU Coach T.J. Otzelberger, both in display cases. A Cyclone football package includes four tickets in the athletic director’s suite in the Jacobsen Building for the Sept. 24 ISU versus Baylor football game, plus a parking pass, food and drinks. There also will be both Cyclone and Hawkeye cast iron skillets, donated by Progressive Foundry.

Two other live auction items donated recently include a set of solid wood red, white and blue bag boards, handmade by Kurt Johnson. Dan Badding, who with his wife Sue opened their Badd Bones Gallery and Studio in Bagley in March 2021, has donated one of his paintings, titled “Wipe Out.”

For those unable to attend the Beach Ball, but still want to support the efforts of Friends of Lake Panorama, tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR JULY 22 BEACH BALL

Plans have been finalized for the Friends of Lake Panorama’s fifth Beach Ball fundraiser. It will be Friday, July 22, at Lake Panorama National, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

Registration now is open for those who want to attend. There will be 30 round tables available, with seating for eight at each. The 2022 Beach Ball will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions.

For the second year, attendees can become members of the Friends Beach Club at one of three levels. Friends Beach Club members will be making an additional contribution to Friends, while getting some extras. The levels are:

• Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; 8 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 20 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250—includes 2 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 5 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2022 Beach Ball program

Dinner tickets are available at a cost of $50 each. Anyone interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, or purchasing just dinner tickets to the Beach Ball, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536. Those with auction items to donate also are asked to contact Thompson.

The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors will meet after the Beach Ball to determine how proceeds will be used. One project already approved by the LPA board in June 2021 is a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. Other projects related to a recreational concept for Lake Panorama’s south shore are under discussion, such as a disc golf course and walking trails, and will be presented to the LPA board soon for consideration.

The 2021 Beach Ball raised $25,000. Those funds are being used to complete the dog park, purchase three swings for the Sunset Beach playground, and enhance an existing trail near Panorama West.

Details on the 2022 Beach Ball, plus all past and current projects, are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

LAKE PANORAMA DOG PARK PROGRESS REPORT

Fundraising by Friends of Lake Panorama for a dog park kicked off in September 2020, after the LPA board unanimously approved the plan at its August 2020 meeting. The park is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road.

Construction on the park is nearly complete. Most of the work was done last fall, with Bryce Arganbright of Arganbright Construction installing a 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide. There are two sections, one for small dogs that are less than 15-inches at shoulder height, and one for large dogs that are least 15-inches at shoulder height.

A single entrance is protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a second gate to either the large dog or small dog areas. Arganbright was able to get a shelter for this area built last fall before cold weather set in. By the end of April, he plans to finish work on the shelter, pour a concrete pad for the entrance, and install the remaining fence and gates.

Crushed rock along the inside perimeter of the fence provides a walking path, a weed barrier and will keep dogs from digging near the fence. The LPA maintenance staff recently installed a gravel parking lot on the east side of the park. Some additional rock may be needed there as the ground firms up.

Last fall, Brandon Brehmer donated his time to seed and fertilize the fenced-in area. Despite the dry fall, seed germination did occur to get a turfgrass base started. Brehmer will be overseeding and fertilizing again this spring, as soon as the soil temperature is warm enough for grass seed to germinate. Timely rains will be needed to get a turfgrass stand that can withstand the expected dog and human traffic. Opening of the park is planned for 2022, and is dependent on how quickly the turfgrass establishment is complete.

Two sugar maple trees were planted last fall, donated by Larry and Heather Isom, who own Isom Tree Farm. If additional trees are desired, the Isoms have offered to donate one tree for each tree purchased, which could be planted in fall 2022.

The LPA has ordered two picnic tables, and will be placing one in each of the two sections of the park. Water lines were run last fall for two dog water fountains that will be mounted on concrete near the park entrance, one on each side.

Four bag dispensers for picking up pet waste will be installed this spring, with two near the park entrances, and two in the far corners of each section. Two pet waste receptacles will be attached to the concrete pad within each side of the park.

A set of rules for responsible use of the dog park has been adopted, and will be posted on a sign at the park entrance. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more also will be posted at the dog park. The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Once a date for the park opening has been set, members will be able to call LPA Security to get the code to the main entrance gate.

BEACH BALL JULY 22 AT LPN

Friends of Lake Panorama will host its fifth Beach Ball fundraiser Friday, July 22, at Lake Panorama National. The format for the event will be similar to previous years, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

Plans are being developed, including pricing for table sponsorships and admission tickets. Event registration will begin in May. Funds will be raised with a 50/50 raffle, plus both live and silent auctions. Items for the auctions are being accepted now. Those interested in donating auction items for the 2022 Beach Ball can email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

The Friends of Lake Panorama seven-member volunteer board will meet April 25 to finalize plans for the 2022 Beach Ball. They also will discuss how profits from the event will be used. Projects chosen by the Friends board to promote at the Beach Ball will receive a percentage of pooled funds raised, plus all direct donations designated to a specific project.

One possible option is a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, have pledged to match up to $20,000 for the Sunset Beach court. A goal of $40,000 has been set for this project.

A task force made up of both Friends board members and additional volunteers from the community is developing a proposal for recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s South Shore. The proposal will be presented to the LPA board this spring, and is expected to include a disc golf course and walking trail, with additional amenities also considered. If approved by the LPA board, projects on the south shore could receive some 2022 Beach Ball profits.

The 2021 Beach Ball had a profit of $25,000. At that time, donations for the Lake Panorama dog park stood at $45,000. The Friends board voted to provide another $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to reach the $50,000 goal.

Another $5,000 raised at the 2021 Beach Ball is being used for enhancements to an existing trail near Panorama West, with work planned this spring. Three swings will be added to the Sunset Beach playground this spring, using $8,000 raised at last year’s Beach Ball.

The Friends board voted last fall to hold the remaining $7,000 in reserve until these three projects are complete, in case costs increase beyond what has been budgeted. If the funds are not needed for any of these three projects, the money will be applied to a new project.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations Being Sought for Shade Sail Project at LPN

A total of 304 ash trees were removed from the Lake Panorama National golf course this winter. Eight of those were big shade trees located around the Spikes snack shop, and between the first and 10th tee boxes.

Plans are being made to plant about 30 trees on the LPN course this year. These would be planted by tree spade, but it will be many years before the same amount of shade the old trees delivered is available again around Spikes.

Kane Powell is an avid golfer, electrician, and builder, who owns Lake Panorama Realty with his wife Dee. While talking with other golfers about the loss of shade around Spikes, he came up with the idea of checking into artificial shade options. That led him to Shade Sails of Iowa, LLC, located in Grimes.

Shade Sails are made of a heavy-duty fabric, and come in many shapes and colors. A company representative developed a plan that would provide shade in a 40’x80’ grassy area east of Spikes.

Six metal poles would be installed in concrete footings, with two sails attached to the poles at various angles to provide shade throughout the day. The sails would vary between 10 to 16 feet from the ground. The varying heights helps the sails shed rain and leaves, and provides an architectural dimension to the installation.

Both the LPA and LPN board of directors recently approved this project, as long as the $22,000 needed can be raised with private donations. The Friends of Lake Panorama board agreed to assist with this fundraising effort, which allows donations to be tax-deductible.

LPA officials say they still will plant some trees in the area near Spikes, but those locations won’t be determined until this new artificial shade project is complete.

Powell says the sails would be a forest green to match the color of the metal roof on Spikes. If additional funds are raised, electricity could be run to the poles and lights strung. The sails would be taken down each fall and reinstalled each summer.

“Besides giving us back some shade in that area, this will provide a new venue for Lake Panorama National customers to enjoy,” Powell says. “It will be a place where golfers can gather before and after tournaments, and should relieve some of the congestion when golf carts park in front of Spikes. The shaded area is designed for golf cart gatherings. For a special event, tables and chairs could be moved under the sails on a temporary basis.”

Once the money for this shade project is raised, the order will be placed. Powell says it will take four weeks from the time the order is placed until the poles and sails are installed. It’s hoped the $22,000 goal can be reached fairly quickly, so the “horseshoe” area in front of Spikes will be shaded by the time hot, sunny weather arrives.

Fundraising is off to a good start because of a $1,000 donation in memory of Dr. David J. Wang. A former Panora dentist and Lake Panorama resident, Wang died in 2002 at the age of 40. In 2018, his family, including wife Grace, son Tony and daughter Cassie, donated $10,000 to Friends of Lake Panorama. Wang was an avid golfer who enjoyed the men’s league and other golf events at the LPN. The bulk of the gift was used for renovations in the LPN dining room.

The family wanted the remaining funds to be used for a project on the golf course. When contacted about this Shade Sails effort, they quickly agreed this would be something their husband and father would have supported.

Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign placed inside Spikes. All donors will receive a letter recognizing their donation for tax purposes.

Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

END-OF-YEAR DONATIONS BOOST FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA

Nearly $5,000 was donated to Friends of Lake Panorama in the final two months of 2021. About $1,800 of that was designated for the Lake Panorama dog park. Construction began in September 2021, with opening planned for spring/summer of 2022.

While the costs of construction and basic amenities are covered by the $50,000 already raised, the park will have ongoing expenses for turf management and waste disposal bags. Additional trees or benches also may be desired. For these reasons, donations for the dog park continue to be accepted. Donors of $500 or more by February 1, 2022, will be recognized on a sign posted at the park.

A total of $1,450 was donated to a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, have pledged to match up to $20,000 for the Sunset Beach court. The estimate for this project is $40,000, and fundraising will continue throughout 2022.

The Friends board has appointed a task force to develop a recreational concept for Lake Panorama’s south shore. The LPA board of directors voted unanimously in June 2021 to allow Friends of Lake Panorama to develop this concept.

The task force report will be presented to the LPA board at either its April or May meeting. The preliminary report to the LPA board in 2021 said the concept will include a disc golf course and a walking trail, with additional amenities possible. If Friends receives final LPA board approval this spring, a specific fundraising campaign will be launched to finance the approved amenities.

Nearly $500 was donated in the last two months of 2021 to the Friends general fund. The charity has ongoing expenses, including insurance, post office box rental, postage, website and email hosting, tax preparation, administrative fees, and fundraising fees. When not enough money is available in the general fund, a percentage of donations given to specific projects is allocated to these expenses.

To attract additional donors interested in helping cover ongoing expenses, a new program has been established that allows donors to make a monthly transfer from their bank account to the Friends bank account at Guthrie County State Bank.

Those interested can print and complete a form on the “Donate” page on the Friends website, and send it to the address on the form. There is no fee for these transactions, and the transfers can be stopped at any time. Those who would like a form sent to them can email their request to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Two other projects that were funded with proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball will be completed in spring 2022. These include the multi-use Panorama West Trail, and three swings added to the Sunset Beach playground.

Although more donations are made at the end of each year than any other time, donations are accepted year-round. These can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends at PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions. For information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.

Details on past and current projects are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up-to-date about Friends activities are asked to “like” and “share” the Friends page. The next Friends Beach Ball fundraiser will be Friday, July 22, 2022.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA BOARD MAKES 2022 PLANS

Friends of Lake Panorama is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. The board held its 2022 organizational meeting Nov. 29. 

At the meeting, to new members were appointed to the board for three-year terms. Bill Winkleblack replaced Tricia Steffen, who has been on the Friends board since the nonprofit began in December 2013. Jackie Wellik replaced Emily Spradling, who was appointed to the board in May 2016 to complete two years of her husband Jim’s term when he was elected to the LPA board. She then served one full three-year term.

Other board members are Galen Johnson, Jody Muench, John Muenzenberger, Jan Reinicke, and Jim Tibbles.

In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Tibbles vice president, and John Muenzenberger secretary-treasurer. Susan Thompson is the non-profit’s executive director.

For the past year, the charity has focused on raising $50,000 for the Lake Panorama Dog Park. A total of $45,000 had been donated in advance of the July 30 Beach Ball fundraiser. That event cleared $25,000, and at a meeting in August, the Friends board voted to direct $5,000 to the Beach Ball proceeds to the dog park.

Construction is nearing completion. Turfgrass that was seeded late this fall was able to germinate, but overseeding will be needed in the spring. The park will open in 2022, once the turfgrass is established well enough to handle the expected traffic.

Two trees have been planted at the park, which were donated by Larry and Heather Isom, who own Isom Tree Farm. Fundraising will continue to add more trees to the park in the fall of 2022. In the future, the Isoms have offered to donate one tree for each tree purchased. Donations designated to the dog park also will be used to cover ongoing expenses for waste bags, and perhaps the installation of a couple of benches.

Other topics discussed at the Friends board meeting included a report on progress being made on establishing a multi-use Panorama West Trail, and three swings that will be added to the Sunset Beach playground. Both projects are being funded with proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball, and will be completed in spring 2022.

Board members reviewed plans for a new project—a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach, for which fundraising is underway. Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, have pledged to match up to $20,000 for the Sunset Beach court. It is hoped $40,000 can be raised for construction in 2022.

The Friends board formed a task force to develop a proposal for recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s South Shore. The task force is made up of both Friends board members and additional volunteers from the community. The proposal created by this task force will be presented to the LPA board in the spring. The proposal is expected to include a disc golf course and walking trail, with additional amenities also being considered.

Preliminary plans for the next fundraising Beach Ball were discussed. The event will be held July 22, 2022. Final decisions on plans, pricing and how funds raised at this event will be used will be made at the board’s spring meeting.  

Currently, donors giving to Friends can designate their gift to the basketball half-court at Sunset Beach, South Shore future recreational amenities, the Lake Panorama dog park, and the Friends general fund.

Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Friends-Panorama. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions. For information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.

DOG PARK CONSTRUCTION NEARING COMPLETION

The physical features of the Lake Panorama dog park are nearly complete, including the fencing, gates and entrance. The ground within the park has been seeded and fertilized. Now rain is needed for the grass seed to germinate and establish a solid turfgrass base before winter.

Bryce Arganbright, Arganbright Construction of Panora, is the contractor handling the fencing, gates and covered entrance.

The park is located on the east side of Lake Panorama, at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. A 6’ tall chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide surrounds the park. There are two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. 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 has been used to create a 4-foot-wide walking path along the inside of the fence, and extends another one-foot under and outside the fence to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging.

The Lake Panorama Association has provided some in-kind contributions to the park. LPA staff used a skid loader with a soil conditioning attachment to prepare the ground for grass seed. The LPA also will install a driveway and gravel parking lot adjacent to the park to the east.

The LPA maintenance staff trenched a water line from the golf course to the main entrance of the dog park, which will supply two water fountains for dogs, one in each section of the park.

Because the LPA will be providing ongoing maintenance once the park is complete, the association is donating two picnic tables, one for each section. These will be the same types of tables used at the lake’s three beaches, which can be moved by the mower to different locations as needed.

Two sugar maple trees, donated by the Isom Tree Farm, will be planted in December, with one in the center of each of the two sections.

Amenities inside the park fence yet to be added are four stations where bags for dog waste will be available, and a waste receptacle near the entrance gate. Signs will be posted for responsible use.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Once the park is ready to open, members will need to contact the LPA office to receive the key code. Opening of the park is expected for spring/summer 2022, and will depend on how quickly the turfgrass gets established and all amenities are in place.

At the time of the July 30 Beach Ball, private donations for the dog park stood at $45,000. The Friends board voted to provide another $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to reach the $50,000 goal.

A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more will be posted at the dog park. Donations continue to be accepted to help with final construction expenses, plus future needs such as turfgrass fertilizer, weed control and dog waste bags.

2021 Beach Ball Funds Will Complete Three Projects

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s Beach Ball fundraiser July 30 had a profit of $25,000. At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Friends board of directors voted to spend the Beach Ball proceeds to complete three projects.

First is the Lake Panorama dog park. Fundraising for this project kicked off in September 2020. The idea of a dog park on LPA property had been discussed for nearly a decade. In April 2019, Friends conducted a survey to gather input from LPA members on possible future projects. The Friends board reviewed and discussed the survey results, and approved several action items.

One action item dealt with the possible development of an LPA dog park. In September 2019, Friends recruited volunteers to serve on a dog park task force to study location, design, costs and rules. The Friends board received the task force report at its June 2020 meeting, and voted unanimously to endorse the project and advance the report to the LPA board.

The LPA board reviewed the dog park proposal at its July meeting, and gave unanimous approval at its August meeting for Friends to begin fundraising. A goal of $50,000 was set to build the park and provide all desired amenities.

At the time of the July 30 Beach Ball, donations for the dog park stood at $45,000. The Friends board voted to provide another $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to reach the $50,000 goal.

Construction on the park is underway. It is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. A 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide is being installed. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. 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 gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park to the east. Once construction is complete, the park area will be fertilized and grass seeded. Two red maple trees, donated by the Isom Tree Farm, will be planted.

Amenities inside the park fence will be a picnic table in each of the two sections, a dog water fountain in each section, stations where bags for dog waste will be available, and waste receptacles. Opening of the park is planned for spring/summer 2022, and will be dependent on how quickly the turfgrass establishment is complete and all amenities are in place.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Signs will be posted for responsible use. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more also will be posted at the dog park.

Another project that will receive Beach Ball funding involves enhancements to an existing trail near the Panorama West golf course. This project has been estimated at $5,500. Donations of $700 already have been received. The Friends board voted to provide $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to complete fundraising for this project.

The existing trail is used by the Panorama School District as a cross-country track site and covers a variety of terrain including timber pathways, golf fairways and roadways. A task force of volunteers has developed plans that include marking a portion of this trail and designating it as the “official” multi-use trail.

For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of this 2.5-mile trail, which includes a 1.5 mile out-and-back section, and an optional 1-mile loop, may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles. 

The newly marked trail will wind its way through grassy open areas and timber, but will not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. A trail map will be developed, and placed on an informational kiosk that will double as a trail head sign. The trail head, with limited parking, will be located at the end of the Nicholl Drive cul-de-sac just east of the Panorama West clubhouse. 

Low profile 4x4 recycled plastic lumber posts with directional signage, recreational symbols, and distance markers will be installed along the multi-use portion of the trail. To avoid confusion, these park-style, recreational markers will be different from the cross-country signage. One or two recycled plastic benches will be placed along the trail. 

Task force team members will meet soon to finalize design details for the kiosk, markers and benches. Product orders will be placed this fall, with installation and project completion planned for spring 2022.

The third project to receive proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball is the addition of three swings to the Sunset Beach playground. These will be the same swings as the ones now at both Boulder and Shady beaches, and will be placed directly west of the existing playground. The budget for this project is $8,000, and the Friends board voted to provide the full amount to this project.

The swings were ordered Aug. 20 from Boland Recreation of Marshalltown, the same vendor that now has provided new play equipment at all three of Lake Panorama’s beaches. The swings will be delivered and installed in spring 2022.

The Friends board voted to hold the remaining $7,000 raised by the Beach Ball in reserve until these three projects are complete, in case costs increase beyond what has been budgeted. If the funds are not needed for any of these three projects, the money will be applied to a new project.

Because of the success of the 2021 Beach Ball, the Friends board plans to hold its next Beach Ball on Friday, July 22, 2022.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Friends-Panorama, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

2021 BEACH BALL RAISES $25,000

An estimated 200 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2021 Beach Ball on July 30 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. After expenses, the event had a profit of $25,000.

The Friends board will meet in mid-August to discuss how to allocate the funds. Three projects had been designated to receive Beach Ball funding—Lake Panorama dog park, three swings at Sunset Beach, and enhancements to the Panorama West trail.

Information about these three current projects, plus two future projects, were on display at the Beach Ball. One of the new projects involves developing a proposal for a multi-use recreational area on Lake Panorama’s south shore on the main basin. The proposal is expected to include a disc golf course and a walking/hiking trail, with additional recreational amenities considered. The plan will need approval from the LPA board of directors before work begins.

The other new project is half-court basketball at Sunset Beach. The LPA board approved this project at its June meeting, and fundraising will begin this fall.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces were used for the Beach Ball. Outside tables were under a series of tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. A buffet dinner was served outside, and included steaks and chicken kabobs cooked on a nearby charcoal grill. Little Joe McCarthy, a singer and songwriter who lives in Omaha, provided live music under an outdoor tent.

After dinner, with weather radar showing heavy rain headed to the area, a decision was made to move the live auction into the banquet room. Those sitting outside moved their chairs inside to participate in the live auction, while volunteers quickly took down tents and stacked tables and chairs as the rain arrived.

New in 2021 was the Friends Beach Club. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while also making an extra donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.

There were 17 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $600 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Fourteen couples spent $200 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with 12 businesses or individuals spending $150 for the Sponsor level.

There were 77 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in nearly $5,000. The live auction of 13 items raised $8,000, and the profit from a 50/50 raffle was $2,250.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time, and can be designated for a current or future project, or for the general fund to be allocated by the Friends board.

LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS REMAIN FOR JULY 30 BEACH BALL

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s fourth Beach Ball fundraiser is Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National, with tables available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

There will be 30 round tables, with seating for eight at each. As of July 1, all 30 tables have sponsors. An estimated 50 tickets for those purchasing only event tickets are available at some of the sponsored tables.

New this year is the Friends Beach Club, with many of the table sponsors joining at either the Premier or Sponsor level. These levels include an additional contribution to the nonprofit charity, while getting some tickets in the 50/50 raffle and names in the 2021 Beach Ball program.

Those interested in purchasing some of the remaining 50 tickets have two options. They can join the Friends Beach Club – Couple for $200, which includes two dinner tickets, five tickets in the 50/50 raffle, and their name in the 2021 Beach Ball program. Individuals also can join the Friends Beach Club for $100, which includes one dinner ticket, two tickets in the 50/50 raffle, and the person’s name in the program.

Besides the Beach Club options, just dinner tickets can be purchased for $50 each, with half of that going to Friends, the other half to the LPN. The planned dinner menu includes charcoal-grilled 10-ounce NY strip steaks, chicken kabobs, pasta primavera, fruit bowl, dinner rolls, and desserts of strawberry shortcake cups and triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownies.

The 2021 Beach Ball will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions. Registration is 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dinner served 6-7 p.m. Cash bars will be available both in the LPN banquet room and outside. The silent auction will close at 7 p.m., with the live auction beginning at 7:15 p.m.

A wide variety of items will be offered on both auctions. Kurt Johnson is donating a set of custom bags/cornhole boards. Michael Kleinwolterink is donating one of his photos of Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Panorama, printed on metal. Danny Cunningham, Lake Panorama Barge, is donating two dock bumper pads. These are a few of the items that will be offered during the live auction.

The silent auction will include a wide variety of gift cards, home décor items, wine, several gift baskets, a selection of jewelry items, several golf-related items, and Jody Muench’s Guthrie County Tapestry Afghan. While a good number of items has been donated so far, there is room for more quality donated items for both the live and silent auction.

Anyone interested in purchasing Beach Ball tickets or donating an auction item, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR JULY 30 BEACH BALL

Plans have been finalized for the Friends of Lake Panorama’s fourth Beach Ball fundraiser. It will be Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

Registration now is open for those who want to attend this event. There will be 30 round tables available, with seating for eight at each.

New this year is the formation of the Friends Beach Club. People who choose one of the four Friends Beach Club levels will be making an additional contribution to Friends, while getting some extras. The levels are:

• Friends Beach Club - Premier: $600—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; 8 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 20 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Couple: $200—includes 2 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 5 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Individual: $100—includes 1 Fund Raiser Dinner Ticket; 2 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

Dinner tickets only will be available at a cost of $50 each, with $25 of that going directly to Friends. The planned dinner menu includes charcoal grilled 10-ounce NY strip steaks, chicken kabobs, pasta primavera, fruit bowl, dinner rolls, and desserts of strawberry shortcake cups and triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownies.

Past table sponsors are being contacted to ask if they want to join the Friends Beach Club. Anyone interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, or purchasing just dinner tickets to the Beach Ball, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536.

At a meeting May 3, the Friends board of directors chose three projects to support with funds raised at this year’s Beach Ball.

One is the Lake Panorama Dog Park. Fundraising for this project began in September 2020. The goal is $50,000 to construct the park and provide all desired amenities. So far, $38,000 has been raised for the park, which will be open to LPA members and their guests.

The park will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. Plans include a 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock.

A second project that will receive funding from this year’s Beach Ball is the Panorama West trail. A task force has developed plans that include marking a 2.5-mile trail, which includes a 1.5 mile out-and-back section, and an optional 1-mile loop. A trail map will be developed, and placed on an informational kiosk that will double as a trail head sign. Trail markers with directional signage and distance markers will be installed. Locations for two benches will be identified. The budget for this project is $5,500.

Three swings added to the Sunset Beach playground is the third project that will receive Beach Ball proceeds. These will be the same swings as those now at both Boulder and Shady beaches. The budget for this project is $8,000.

The Friends board chose these three projects in hopes enough money will be raised at the Beach Ball to complete funding for all three in 2021.

Two other projects will be introduced at the Beach Ball—a disc golf course and a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. If more money is raised than is needed for the first three projects, the funds will be set aside for these two projects, with additional fundraising beginning this fall.  

BEACH BALL PLANNED FOR JULY 30 AT LPN

Friends of Lake Panorama will host its fourth Beach Ball fundraiser on Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National. The format for the event will be similar to the 2020 Beach Ball, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents on the grass between the conference center and the golf course.

 The 2020 Beach Ball had a profit of $30,000. Those funds, along with many direct donations over a year’s time, made it possible to purchase $70,000 worth of playground equipment for Shady and Boulder beaches. The equipment at Shady Beach was installed last fall. The Boulder Beach playground equipment is scheduled to be installed in late April.

A Beach Ball in 2016 raised money for the Sunset Beach playground, while the 2017 Beach Ball helped finance the sports courts at Boulder Beach.  

The Friends board of directors discussed plans for the 2021 Beach Ball at their spring meeting March 15. Rather than having a single project to which funds will be directed, the board plans to offer several options.

The board will make a final decision at its May meeting on what projects to promote at the 2021 fundraiser, but the plan is to have information on a handful projects available. This will allow donors interested in a particular project to make a direct donation to that project.

The nonprofit charity’s current priority is the Lake Panorama dog park, which will be one of the projects those attending can learn more about and to which they can make a direct donation. By the end of March, $34,000 had been raised towards the park goal of $50,000.

Other projects being considered by the Friends board are improvements to the trail near Panorama West, a disc golf course, a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach and other beach amenities.

Projects chosen by the Friends board to promote at the Beach Ball will receive a percentage of pooled funds raised at the event, plus all direct donations designated to a specific project.

The 2021 Beach Ball will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, both live and silent auctions, and other fun, and fundraising, events. Prices for table sponsorships and admission tickets are being finalized, with event registration beginning in early May.