With the expansion of trails and the number of events being held at East Lake Park growing, the Clarke County Conservation Board is partnering with local leadership to put East Lake Park on the map of travel and tourism destinations in Southern Iowa.
Scott Kent, Director of the Clarke County Conservation Board and members have identified a need for a modern RV campground at East Lake Park, updated to meet the requirements of today’s recreational vehicles. Through careful planning , allowing for possible future development, the proposed RV campground would offer 25 Recreational Vehicle slip sites – 16 back-in and 9 pull-through – with individual water hookups and the choice of 20, 30 or 50 amp electricity. With a block tile shower house that allows for easy maintenance and a single environmentally-friendly dump station, East Lake Park could soon become a destination campground for Southern Iowa and a substantial revenue generator for the County and neighboring cities.
“Clarke County is one of the few counties that doesn’t have a big campsite in the county parks,” said Kent. “RV camping is very popular and the establishment of this kind of campground with these amenities will be a big deal for Osceola and Clarke County as a whole.”
The entire campground project is projected to cost $240,000 and Clarke County Conservation Board is working hard to gather those funds. A CCDC grant, approved at the March 8th Board Meeting, will provide a small portion of the cost, and will help considerably as “seed” money when the Conservation Board applies for a $100,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR application and information for review was due this week.
“The Board has been plugging away to ensure this campground is fully funded through grants and in-kind donations,” Kent said. “By showing the DNR that we are able to cover the rest of the cost, we’re hopeful the grant request will be approved quickly so we can really get this campground started.”
Other East Lake projects that have already been completed in an effort to bring more visitors to East Lake Park and Clarke County include:
- new playground equipment
- a new dock at the boat ramp
- new bathrooms and septic system
- over 1,000 trees and shrubs planted
- new walkway bridge on the north end of East Lake Park
- cleaned up trails at Green Pine Park and Turkey Ridge
- new playground equipment at Liberty Park
The new RV campground will be an important addition to East Lake Park and Clarke County with revenue potential for all of Osceola as campers visit the town for food, supplies and entertainment. With the help of the CCDC, Osceola and Clarke County will continue to provide growth opportunities for the community.
For more information, contact Scott Kent, Director of Conservation, Clarke County Conservation Board, 2451 Highway 34, Osceola, Iowa or call (641) 342-3960.
Exciting things happening in Clarke County Parks.
Great job!!!