By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
Lane Rumelhart is the projects manager for the Lake Panorama Association (LPA), a position he has held for more than five years. In this month’s Q&A, Rumelhart talks about some of the recreational amenities at Lake Panorama and how a combination of special and routine maintenance by LPA staff and volunteers keeps these in good condition.
Q: What can residents expect this summer in terms of updates and maintenance on Lake Panorama amenities?
A: Summer is our busiest time of year at Lake Panorama, and we’ve been working hard to make sure community amenities are safe, clean and enjoyable. From trail cleanups to dog park maintenance, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
Q: Let’s start with Lake Panorama’s South Shore. How are the trails there looking for increased traffic this summer?
A: The LPA maintenance team spent a couple of days in early May removing downed trees and clearing debris from the South Shore trails. The Panorama Community School District has stepped in again this year to help mow the walking trails through the summer and into the fall, when the Panorama cross country team uses the trail for practices and meets. We also want to recognize other ongoing volunteer efforts on the south shore. We are grateful for individuals who are contributing to the upkeep of this area by spraying the shoreline and mowing the disc golf course.
Q: We’ve heard there’s poison ivy near the disc golf course. Any action being taken?
A: The poison ivy in the disc golf course fairways and tee areas was sprayed with a chemical treatment in May. A second treatment will be done later in the year, and we’re hopeful to get the poison ivy in these areas under control. Friends of Lake Panorama, which guided the fundraising effort to establish the disc golf course, is covering the cost of this year’s poison ivy control effort. If disc golfers and walkers stay on the grassy fairways and tee areas, there is much less risk of running into it. If you’re prone to throwing discs into the timber where the poison ivy is more prevalent, you may want to consider wearing long pants.
John Worth, an LPA member and volunteer who designed the disc golf course, continues to lead efforts to improve and maintain it. His commitment has helped keep this a fun and accessible recreational amenity at Lake Panorama. We continue to receive complimentary reviews on both the disc golf course and the South Shore walking trails.
Q: What’s the latest with the South Shore garage and debris cleanup that was an eyesore when the recreational area first opened?
A: All the junk and miscellaneous items that had accumulated around the garage near the parking lot has been removed. We’re making good progress in keeping that area clean and getting grass to grow back. As always, if residents notice downed trees or debris, we encourage them to contact the LPA office—we’ll address it as soon as we can.
Q: The dog park opened in June 2022 and is another project that was established with funds raised by Friends of Lake Panorama. What’s new with the dog park?
A: The dog park continues to see heavy use, as both trash containers must be emptied weekly. Brandon Brehmer, who volunteered his time as the dog park turf was being established, plans to aerate and fertilize this spring and overseed in the fall to keep the turf healthy. The dog water fountains are working, and regular trash removal shows people are picking up after their pets and using the receptacles provided. The maple trees are really growing and will offer some nice shade in the next year or two.
Q: What about the Panorama West Trail? Any recent activity there?
A: The Panorama West Trail received some work last fall and will be followed up with additional maintenance soon. LPA maintenance has cleared invasive species, removed storm debris, and addressed problem areas. That trail is rougher and more difficult to maintain than the trails on the South Shore. But for those who enjoy a hike through timber with some twists and turns and elevation changes, it’s a great trail. Volunteers have long helped keep that trail viable, since it was first created for the Panorama cross country. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with either one-time maintenance or something more regular, we’d love to hear from them.
Q: Can you explain how beach grooming works at Lake Panorama?
A: We use a beach groomer once or twice each week during the summer months, depending on weather and beach activity. This machine is towed behind a tractor and works by sifting through the top layer of sand, picking up trash, small debris, and goose droppings. It helps maintain a clean and pleasant surface for beachgoers. Also, the LPA just purchased new sand, which has been spread out evenly on all three beaches for the summer season.
Q: Beyond grooming the beach sand, what other general beach maintenance takes place in the summer season?
A: Our staff regularly inspects beach amenities throughout the summer. That includes checking playground equipment for repairs, adjusting the nets on tennis and pickleball courts, and making sure signage, trash bins and seating areas are in good shape. LPA also has a hired vendor in charge of restroom cleaning and trash removal. This vendor is responsible for cleaning daily between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. All three beaches, both campgrounds and the dog park are covered by this service.
Q: Who handles all the mowing around Lake Panorama?
A: LPA staff mows five days a week throughout the summer season. You’ve likely seen the LPA mower truck and trailer parked in various spots around the subdivision. Two part-time employees share mowing duties, covering more than 40 acres of LPA property each week. Some of these include the entrance area near the Marina, the “guard shack” entrance on the west side, the water plant, and many other locations.
While LPA occasionally receives requests to add new areas to the mowing schedule, the current workload is already near capacity. With limited staffing and equipment, we simply don’t have the resources to take on additional mowing beyond what’s already being maintained.
Q: Any final thoughts for Lake Panorama residents as we head into summer?
A: Just a reminder that maintaining these amenities is a community effort. Between staff, volunteers, and community partners, we’re proud of the condition and accessibility of our trails, parks, beaches and recreational spaces. We encourage everyone to enjoy them responsibly and to let us know if they see something that needs attention.