By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
The proposed hard-surface walking path at Sunset Beach is one-quarter mile. It begins and ends near the parking area. The loop passes the beach, benches and shelter house and offers easy access to the sports court and playground areas.
For the fifth 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 making a direct donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.
There were 24 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $800 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Sixteen couples spent $300 to be in the Couples Beach Club with eight businesses, couples or individuals donating $150 to sponsor a table.
There were 61 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in $7,200. The live auction of 12 items raised $14,100. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle and a half-card-draw game netted $2,200.
At a meeting June 23, the Friends board of directors voted to earmark the $35,000 Beach Ball profit for three projects.
A roll-in boat dock has been ordered and is expected to be placed in early July in the cove directly north of the Lake Panorama dam. This will allow boaters to tie up and access the south shore trails and disc golf course from the water. Half of the $10,000 cost of the dock will come from the 2025 Beach Ball with the other half from money held in reserve from the 2024 Beach Ball.
The proposed hard-surface walking path at Boulder Beach offers various access points from the parking lot. It then winds along the lake, loops around trees, and provides easy access to amenities such as benches, playgrounds and sports courts. The loop will be one-half mile.
Research is underway on surface options and related costs with more details expected soon. Additional fundraising will begin once plans are complete and costs confirmed. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs near the start of each of these two walking paths.
The remaining $10,000 raised at this year’s Beach Ball goes to Lake Panorama National golf course improvements. Projects being considered for 2025 fall construction are bunkers, tee boxes and driving range.
Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to P.O. Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit cards are accepted on the Friends website.
Jaime Waddle matches her half card to one drawn by Galen Johnson, a member of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors. Jaime was one of two winners of gift baskets valued at $150 and filled with items donated by local businesses.