Carroll County Conservation highlighted the newest amenity at Swan Lake State Park Thursday with a public reception at the East Shelter House. The approximately $400,000 facility opened in May and includes plenty of parking, a substantial open area for events or gatherings and a serving kitchen. According to Carroll County Conservation Director, Jason Christensen, the facility was booked consistently throughout the summer, and he says that trend appears like it will continue into the fall and winter, too.
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The Carroll County Board of Supervisors contributed $150,000 in Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) funds to the project with the remaining $250,000 sourced through the Carroll County Conservation Foundation and donations from residents and local businesses. Conservation Board President, Kenny Snyder, says the public support for this project has been incredible from the start.
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Snyder adds that proceeds from shelter house rentals go back into the county’s General Fund and serve as a source of revenue rather than taxes. Christensen says there has been so much interest in the new shelter house that they decided to hold another fundraiser to build a playground to the south of the structure. He says that money was raised almost immediately.
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The shelter house is only the latest addition to Swan Lake State Park. Within the last five or so years, they’ve added two new cabins, renovated the fish house, resurfaced the trail and more. Christensen says they have seen a corresponding increase in visitors over that same time.
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To reserve a date for the shelter house or any of Swan Lake State Park’s other facilities, contact Carroll County Conservation at 712-792-4614.