LCCD president thanks those who helped with playground - Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, 

I am happy to announce that within the next week the new playground at Pollmiller Park will be open for play. Last week the playground was installed and this week the wood chips will be spread at the site.

The Three Rivers Conservation Foundation spearheaded the Pollmiller Park playground project. After assessing the park’s uses and needs, The Three Rivers Conservation Foundation determined that a new playground at Pollmiller Park would enhance the park. The Three Rivers Conservation Foundation raised funds and partnered with the Lee County Conservation Board (LCCB) to bring this project to completion. 

I would like to thank foundation board members: Tom Pollpeter, Mary Moore, Mike Thimmesch, William Mullan, Ernie Schiller, Dean Mabeus, Ben Schlader, and Emily Benjamin for working to make this playground possible. 

A huge thank you goes to the financial supporters: Wellmark Foundation, SIRCC, Keokuk Area Foundation, Ann Menke, CPA, Edward Jones, Scott Kincaid, Ed and Tammy Kirchner, Connection Bank, Catfish Bend Casino, Iowa Fertilizer Plant, Lee County Bank, Freeport McMoran Foundation, Steve Dermand, Dennis Osipowicz, Helen Ackerson, Kathy Nelson, Tom Pollpeter, Soroptomist International, Stage 2, Glenn and Mary VanPelt, Kim Hundt, Philip Carpreso, Donna Amandis, Kenneth and Angela Rothlauf, Janet Dinkel, Bruce Huddleson, Susan Flockart, Beach donations and anonymous donors. 

I would like to thank the volunteers: Jim and Becky Bullerd, Zachery Alger, Martin Krogmeier, Karina Brownlee, Dennis McGreger, Fullenkamp Insurance, students from Holy Trinity Catholic High School, students from Central Lee High School and the LCCB directors and employees for the installation of the playground.

The LCCB is looking forward to a good summer for our county residents and guests. The fish habitat enhancement project at North Heron Bend Fishing Area is completed. Soon a new restroom and shower house facility along with full hookups for campers and some new cement pads will open at the Chatfield Park campground. A remodeled restroom is now available at the Wilson Lake large shelter house. A new equipment storage shed is under construction at the LCCB headquarters with an estimated completion date of June 30. Planting a new prairie at Denning Conservation Area started this week. This will be the largest prairie managed by the LCCB. The long term goal of this planting project is to grow a native prairie to provide wildlife habitat and future hunting opportunities. Finally later this summer there will be a ribbon cutting for the new John H. Clark Wildlife Refuge.

In May the LCCB visitor/office center will reopen to the public. As a courtesy to all, wearing masks will be required in the building.

Our parks and wildlife areas provide places of solitude for people and wildlife. In addition they also provide places for hiking, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. Soon our campground hosts will be ready to greet campers, playgrounds will be ready for play and the beach at Pollmiller Park will open.

To reserve camp sites, shelter houses and cabins please use the website: mycountyparks.com.

For more information please call the LCCB at 319-463-7673.  Be sure to follow the LCCB on Facebook and Instagram.

Remember these are your parks - please enjoy them. Please pick up your trash and after your dogs and dispose of the trash in the provided trash cans.

Sincerely, 

Liza Alton
LCCB President