County conservation wants more places for people to stay

Oct. 11—Union County Conservation wants to be more like many other Iowa counties that have lodging at the county parks.

Because that will bring more people to Three Mile Lake and Union County.

Union County Conse

rvation Director Doug Jones told the Union County Board of Supervisors Monday his plans to use American Rescue funds to build two housekeeping cabins at the lake. No decision was made by the supervisors.

Jones had made a similar presentation last year when the federal government funded Union County about $2.3 million used to make up for lost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that presentation, Jones emphasized new electrical infrastructure and other amenities at existing campground sites.

Supervisors have approved plans for about $1.1 million of the amount but have not made commitments to the entire remaining balance. The fairgrounds and the courthouse will both benefit.

Jones explained the proposal to build two housekeeping cabins at Three Mile Lake. The cabins will have individual bedrooms, bathrooms, heating, air conditioning and be open year round. Estimated total cost for both of them is $720,000. Jones also estimated they would not be ready to use until 2024. Union County has until 2026 to spend its entire amount.

"These would offer a lot more amenities, more area, and don't have to go outside to use restroom," Jones said. The design he explained is used in Scott County.

Jones said a possible location is the campground at Three Mile Lake using existing infrastructure to get to them. That's only one possible place.

"We could consider putting them on the hill, line up with the ones we have there. Everybody wants to be down by the water. Get the cottage, get the lake, close access. Walk down to the shore line and fish and have your own private dock. That's the way we'd like to do them," he said.

Jones said Lake Icaria's cabins in Adams County show their popularity by being reserved consecutive months in advance.

Lake Icaria has a 10-person cottage which Jones called "pretty impressive."

"They like them. Users like them," he said.

Jones said lake cabins were a benefit during height of COVID two years ago.

"People were using cabins and parks, front-line workers with electricity and bathrooms. They could go to work and don't want to go home potentially infect their families. County conservation and parks can be open and stay there. And they did," he said.

Jones said all lodging revenue at Three Mile Lake averages $160,000 a year. The amount jumped to $230,000 during the pandemic.

"We gave people a place to recreate, do something outdoors and they responded to it. Campers, kayaks sales were up. You couldn't fly in a plane, couldn't buy football tickets but you could go outside."

Jones said cabin usage is almost the same after the pandemic and noted Lake Icaria also has kept its popularity.

"They look a lot like us. They are really big into this cabin business. Icaria has six housekeeping, full-service bathrooms, what we want to do," he said.

Jone said Icaria's cabins are usually rented a week at a time during summer.

"They are full; it was $1,500 a week going to $1,800 week. One cabin was $40,000 to Adams County revenue. They stay extended periods of time. They are utilizing other facilities, they have to be in the county supporting local businesses, going shopping. When they come they have to spend money."

Jones said the demographic of people who use the cabin for a week is not the same person who stays for a day or two. He has been told some weeklong visitors have held weddings at the parks.

"This is the one time we are going to ask supervisors to give us a shot to put put two housekeeping cabin with out without a pandemic. These will pay back the county," he said. "There may not be a whole lot of things to do in Adams County, but they love their parks. They have got a nice program. Adams is interested in more cabins."

Jones said those who use Union County's cabins come from various places.

"This is an exciting opportunity. Twenty years from now, look they are still here, they are still housing people, they are still making money without a pandemic," Jones said.

Jones said the improvements planned for the campground are installing new electric pedestals with 50, 30 and 20 amp offerings.

"We are working on 70 new electric pedestals, in the campground with 50, 30, 20 amps and one per camp site rather than one every other. Also, 10 full-service sewer and water at camp sites. These are not new, but existing but retrofitted.

Jones said there were two bids received and officials are working through legalities. Work should be complete in January.