By WILLIAM SMITHGeode State Park will look a little prettier this summer thanks to some improvements by the Geode Park Alliance Friends group.
The small volunteer organization, which was just formed last year, recently completed work on a new roof for the park's registration building and added a permanent bench seat in the north playground on the campgrounds.
Money for the material for the roof came from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, while the work was provided by the Geode Park Alliance Friends group.
"We do this primarily to give back to the park and everything it does for people," said project coordinator Ray Ward.
The group's next project will consist of installing a toddler-size playground on the north campground and a more extensive playground by the beach, which will feature a Space Net Climber designed like a cargo net. Although the playground equipment already has been purchased, Ward said installing the equipment will have to wait until August due to the park's soggy ground. The group also will have to obtain additional funding for the landscaping required to install the playground.
The Geode Park Alliance Friends group has about a dozen members, and Ward stressed that more will be needed to install the playgrounds.
The group is trimming back brush on the park trails and improving the campfire rings."We also want to repair and repaint the picnic tables, which will be a labor intensive project," Ward said. "We'll need a lot of volunteers."
Since seating at the park mostly consists of movable picnic tables, Ward also is hoping to install more permanent benches throughout the park. He said the group's long-term goal is to construct a new registration booth and an additional fish-cleaning station by the lake.
The volunteer organization is funded entirely by donations and a recycling bin at the park for aluminum cans. All money donated goes directly to materials, while the labor is conducted on a volunteer basis. "We work with the park staff, recognizing whatever they decide to do for improvements," Ward said. "It's an area where people of moderate means can enjoy themselves."
To donate money, materials or a few hours of labor, call Ward at (319) 750-5220.
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