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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Update on Geode Concession Stand
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The Friends of Geode organization was formed shortly after Dave Smith learned that the plans for the restoration of Geode Lake included destruction of the beach concession stand. He and many southeast Iowa residents have dear and precious memories of time spent at the lake and visiting the stand. Admittedly many of the recollections include senior skip days and other teenage infractions. Now, the experiences are used to caution grandchildren and prove age is no barrier to fun.
While the major aims of the project were removing and preventing sediment deposition and improving the water quality by controlling the nutrients in the runoff from farm fields, the overall ability of the park to provide a modern camping facility and return its prominence as a recreational center in southeast Iowa. Friends of Geode became a non-profit group dedicated to helping promote, preserve and protect the natural beauty and recreational opportunities Geode State Park. The beach house became part of a much bigger vision.
The building needed a complete overhaul. Each decision needed to be cleared with the DNR. The list is long – a new room, complete new facia and eve covers, gutters, windows, insulation, electrical boxes and new wire, dry wall and finish work. A storage area and garage door have been added with the idea that kayak, canoe and possibly paddle boats will be available to rent.
Readers have asked about the project. It is hoped that the concession stand will be completed and dedicated next spring. It has taken longer than everyone expected. So far, the work has largely been done by volunteers under the supervision of professional construction companies donating their expertise, advice and skill. It is hoped that much of the remaining work can be contracted. It is important that the electricity is completed to code. Insulation, dry wall and taping as well as window installation is on the list. Our volunteers have spent many days doing grade A work everywhere possible. There are some trees that will have to be professionally removed so the roof and building remain repair free. Friends also have a big project of providing a handicap ramp to the water outside the concession stand for that day when rentals will be used. Also proper handicap accessible docking is necessary so all can enter the concession building from the water. Ulf Konig, the Park Manager, has been very helpful every step of the way. He has also asked for help in several areas as the Iowa legislature’s funding and support of the recreation areas decline.
Friends of Geode have kept track of volunteer hours. To date 505.5 (63.2 days) have been recorded on the concession stand project. The officers have put a value of $10 per hour on volunteer work. There is also an equipment labor figure valued at $3800 (no hourly count is recorded). Adding together the figures, a value of $8,855 has been assigned to the project.
This writer has done some research on the estimated value of volunteer work. The Iowa Retired School Personnel Association places a value of $29.96/hour and the national value is stated to be $34.79/hour. As a special note, the volunteers working on the building frequently give up Sunday and Holiday time to work at the park. Many farm or have businesses to run as well. The overall value of all the time and thought and effort cannot be overestimated.
On a quick additional note, the Friends provide firewood for the campers, replants trees, helps keep the park clean by providing a place to dispose of recyclable and deposit return bottles and cans, and holds public events such as a kayak festival and trail run. More about these projects at a later time.
