By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
About 25 LPA members attended the June 26 managers coffee held at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort to hear updates from John Rutledge, Lake Panorama Association (LPA) general manager, and Royce Shaffer, Lake Panorama National (LPN) director of operations.
Shaffer has been the LPN director of operations since the fall of 2023. He opened his report with an update on the LPN food, beverage and special events operation.
THE CAPTAIN’S PICK
“In February, LPN signed a lease agreement with Ted Hawley to operate LPN’s restaurant, events and golf course snack shop,” he said. “The Captain’s Pick opened in late March. The customer experience has been excellent and reviews overwhelming positive, both in the restaurant and at events.”
Shaffer encouraged attendees to follow The Captain’s Pick Facebook page and website TheCaptainsPick.com for current hours of operation and any special happenings.
GOLF
A total of 116 season passes were purchased for the Panorama West golf course, seven less than the goal set for 2025. Shaffer said there has been a slight uptick in non-member rounds, which are up 2.5% compared to 2024.
“In May, Jeff Muench came on board as the lead groundskeeper at Panorama West and jumped right in,” Shaffer said. “He’s doing a great job along with Dick Ellis and Virgil Hoehne to keep the course in great shape.”
Shaffer reported the two on-course bathrooms at Panorama West are getting a facelift in the coming weeks, thanks to Friends of Lake Panorama and memorial funds given in honor of Bob White.
“The goal is to better critter-proof both bathrooms, while keeping in mind these are outdoor facilities,” he said. “The work will include new siding for the south bathroom, plus trim added to the bottom of the exterior panels on both buildings. All three doors will be sealed with foam, have new door sweeps, and interior trim added around the frames. Grates will be installed on the ceiling vents and floor drains, and the exteriors of both bathrooms will be painted.”
Turning to the Lake Panorama National golf course, Shaffer said 229 annual golf passes have been sold so far this year.
“That’s four more than projected for 2025, with 24 of those going to first-time passholders,” he said. “League play is strong, with the men’s league up by eight participants and the women’s league up by six over last year. Non-member rounds are up 9% compared to last year.”
Shaffer said the driving range netting is scheduled to be replaced in the next few weeks, at a cost of $53,500. The current net was installed in 2017.
FUNDRAISING
Turning attention to the LPN Capital Fundraising Campaign, Shaffer said renovations on four tee boxes began last fall. Old railroad tie retaining walls were removed, then the tee boxes were expanded and leveled. Sod was laid in late March, and the tees were ready for play by early May.
Two fundraising events have been held so far this year. A golf outing in early May raised $6,000. A total of $10,000 from the June 20 Friends of Lake Panorama Beach Ball was designated for LPN projects.
“Since launching in the summer of 2024, just under $105,000 has been raised, with $32,000 currently available for projects,” Shaffer said. “We are considering projects for fall 2025. These may include additional tee box work, driving range improvements, new tee signs, or bunker renovations. Project plans will depend on funds raised over the next two months.”
Donors who contribute before Aug. 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a 2026 single golf pass at LPN with cart. Every $500 donated earns one entry in the drawing. Donations can be mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama at Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made using a credit card on the Friends website, friendsoflakepanorama.org. All donors of $500 or more are recognized on both the Lake Panorama National and Friends of Lake Panorama websites.
EMAIL NEWSLETTER
Shaffer encouraged anyone who doesn’t already receive the LPN Resort Weekly email to sign up. He said it provides relevant information regarding LPN and is a great way to stay informed and connected. To sign up, visit lakepanoramanational.com, scroll down to the “Get the Latest News” section, and enter your email.
In closing, Shaffer said he welcomes feedback on any of Lake Panorama National’s amenities. Comments can be emailed to feedback@lakepanorama.org. Comments specific to The Captain’s Pick can be submitted directly using an online form at TheCaptainsPick.com.
RIZ PROJECTS
Rutledge began his report with a review of Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) projects.
“The 180th Trail Basin Culvert replacement project is underway. A section of 180th Trail is closed during construction. This section of road is northeast of the dredge dock, and should not impact many members,” Rutledge said. “Gus Construction of Casey is the contractor. This $700,000 project is progressing as planned and on schedule.”
Rutledge said RIZ is in the “planning and acquisition phase” of securing property and building a sediment basin that would serve the Horseshoe Cove region of Lake Panorama. If this happens, dredging would not occur until 2027, at the soonest.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
The 2025 Iowa legislative session was relevant to both RIZ & LPA.
“Two bills were passed that could have negatively impacted Lake Panorama but did not due to amendments we secured,” Rutledge said. “These bills were related to accessory dwellings and covered structures on docks. LPA was able to ensure this legislation did not negate our association building codes, rules and regulations.”
Rutledge said tax increment financing (TIF) and homeowners association (HOA) governance demanded a lot of time this year and is expected to resurface next year.
“TIF is a top priority since it is directly tied to Lake Panorama’s annual RIZ funding,” he said. “HOA governance relates to LPA’s ability to maintain our current HOA governing model. No TIF or HOA bills were passed this year, but several were discussed and will be revived in early 2026. Our role is to make sure we advocate for Lake Panorama Association and Lake Panorama RIZ as these topics are discussed.”
Sta-Bilt Construction was scheduled to seal-coat three miles on the west side of Lake Panorama shortly before the Fourth of July holiday. Sta-Bilt will return later in the summer to seal-coat approximately three miles on the east side of the lake.
Rutledge assured members that bleed-through of tar was not going to be a serious concern this year, because LPA has switched oil products to one that has polymers, which will minimize bleeding.
The 2021 cost per mile for seal coat was $23,000. This year the cost doubled to $46,000 per mile. Rutledge said at this price, LPA is only able to do about six miles this year, instead of the preferred nine-to-10 miles annually.
NITRATE LEVELS
Rutledge said LPA members can rest assured news coverage regarding the Des Moines Water Works nitrate levels is not relevant to LPA’s drinking water.
“We are concerned about nitrates in the context of lake water quality, but we do not draw drinking water from the lake or river,” he said. “We draw our water from a pair of Jordan Aquifer wells, which are deep enough to be sheltered from nitrogen runoff.”
ROADWAYS
Rutledge cautioned walkers and cyclists about using association roadways. He also discouraged walking or cycling on 200th Road and Redwood Road, which are county highways.
“LPA roads are not designed for curb and gutter, sidewalks and pedestrian use,” he said. “Those who choose to walk or cycle on LPA roads are strongly encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing, walk against traffic, and ensure their hearing is not impaired with headphones. Walking groups should yield the roadway by falling into single file and letting vehicles pass.”
Other topics Rutledge covered included:
LPA has received several inquiries about a dilapidated home in the Burchfield Cove area, and has turned this over to its attorney to explore options.
The Burchfield Cove 10 mph buoy is the most talked about buoy on the lake. LPA fine-tuned its location to match the map. The initial location was slightly off, but it is now on the mark.
The old LPA marina building remains under review. Possible action would be to demolish the north two-thirds and repurpose the south one-third for security and public restrooms.
LPA has a new security boat, which has a rubber hull. There has been member feedback about this boat going too fast. This feedback has been incorporated into LPA water patrol training and protocols to ensure officers are mindful of this concern.
With all of the recent rain, LPA roadside and beach mowing may be slightly behind schedule. Periods of rain require catchup work once the rain is over.
At the June 2025 board meeting, the LPA board approved the 2025-26 Deer Hunting Program with no changes. A total of 111 antlerless deer were harvested in 2024-25, which is consistent with past seasons and LPA’s goals. Rutledge emphasized the goal of this program is to ensure a healthy herd population, and not to eliminate deer from the association.
An update on the lake level and the unintended dam lowering of June 23 and 24 was discussed. Rutledge noted the lake was projected to return to normal that evening or the following morning. A detailed review of the incident and solution was provided.
Following their prepared remarks, Rutledge and Shaffer fielded several questions and comments from the audience. The next managers coffee will be Aug. 29 at 10:30 a.m.