It took the entire summer, but on Sept. 1, Iola Industries officially handed over an estimated 500 acres to the state of Kansas for the creation of LeHigh Portland State Park.
The transition means the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks can begin in earnest the park’s development to enhance water sports, camping and fishing, hiking and biking, and other outdoor opportunities.
“It’ll be a pretty quick turnaround,” estimated Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County and instrumental to the passage of the legislation to create the park.
Architectural plans are in the works for both landscape designs and physical structures.
Even without a stone being turned, “we’re seeing a significant increase in people coming our way just from the announcement that we are getting a state park,” she said. “We know once it’s up and running the park will not only be a beautiful place, but it also will be a great economic development tool.”
Jerry Dreher, president of Iola Industries, noted the land had been the organization’s most valuable asset, valued at more than $2 million, and as such, “it’s somewhat bittersweet to part with it, although we recognize the positive economic impact the park will have, and as such, that falls in line with our mission statement.
“We’re excited to see what the park will mean not only for today, but for future generations.”
Iola Industries purchased the land in 1971 when the Lehigh Portland Cement Co., closed after 100 years of operation.
Kansas legislators approved LeHigh Portland State Park as Kansas’ 29th state park on April 6. On April 19, Gov. Laura Kelly signed the legislation.
Then on July 17, the governor came to Iola to ceremoniously sign the legislation on the shores of the 180-acre lake.
Funds from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) program will be used to develop the park. It’s still under wraps as to how much that will be.
Proposed features include several fishing docks, four restroom buildings placed around the lake and trails, about 50 campsites, seven “floating” cabins positioned in the water and six regular cabins, two RV campgrounds, a visitor center, a splash park and playground and continued development of the more than 200 acres of surrounding trails.
The campground and recreation areas are to include water, sewer and electricity.
