05-19-2004, 04:28 AM
[#800080][black]Newest state Park Names - Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park [/black]
[black]DES MOINES - Iowa's newest state park now has a name. The Natural Resource Commission approved the designation of the former Banner Wildlife Area to Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park during their meeting on May 13. [/black]
[black]The state park name resulted from a naming contest sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Approximately 180 entries were received. Banner and Summerset were the two most popular names with a total of 22 entries. All 22 entrants will be invited as guests of honor at the park dedication, scheduled for later this summer. [/black]
[black]"Summerset is a name that is directly tied to the area," said Angela Corio landscape architect with the DNR's state parks bureau. "We were looking for a name that presents a positive image for the new park." Corio said a paved bicycle trail that bisects the park, a local area road and an area inn and winery will all share the name Summerset, giving a sense of place to the new park. [/black]
[black]The Banner Mining Company mined the area for coal before the area was turned into a wildlife area in the 1950s. The two lakes at the park have been named Banner Lakes in honor of the park's history. [/black]
[black]A seven person blue ribbon committee reviewed all entries and recommended the final name for commission approval. Serving on the committee were Mayor Jerry Kelly of Indianola, Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines, Frank Shultz of Carlisle, Cami Rankin from Polk County, Dave Mineart from Warren County, and Jeffrey Vonk and Angela Corio from the DNR. [/black]
[black]"Work is underway and we expect the park will be open to the public later this summer," Corio said. "Recreational opportunities at the park will include mountain bike trails, a paved bicycle scenic loop, winter trout fishery, two boat ramps, picnicking and numerous fishing accesses. A concession-operated shooting range located next to the park will also offer snacks for trail users. There will be something for everyone and it will be a great addition to our state park family." [/black][/#800080]
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[black]DES MOINES - Iowa's newest state park now has a name. The Natural Resource Commission approved the designation of the former Banner Wildlife Area to Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park during their meeting on May 13. [/black]
[black]The state park name resulted from a naming contest sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Approximately 180 entries were received. Banner and Summerset were the two most popular names with a total of 22 entries. All 22 entrants will be invited as guests of honor at the park dedication, scheduled for later this summer. [/black]
[black]"Summerset is a name that is directly tied to the area," said Angela Corio landscape architect with the DNR's state parks bureau. "We were looking for a name that presents a positive image for the new park." Corio said a paved bicycle trail that bisects the park, a local area road and an area inn and winery will all share the name Summerset, giving a sense of place to the new park. [/black]
[black]The Banner Mining Company mined the area for coal before the area was turned into a wildlife area in the 1950s. The two lakes at the park have been named Banner Lakes in honor of the park's history. [/black]
[black]A seven person blue ribbon committee reviewed all entries and recommended the final name for commission approval. Serving on the committee were Mayor Jerry Kelly of Indianola, Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines, Frank Shultz of Carlisle, Cami Rankin from Polk County, Dave Mineart from Warren County, and Jeffrey Vonk and Angela Corio from the DNR. [/black]
[black]"Work is underway and we expect the park will be open to the public later this summer," Corio said. "Recreational opportunities at the park will include mountain bike trails, a paved bicycle scenic loop, winter trout fishery, two boat ramps, picnicking and numerous fishing accesses. A concession-operated shooting range located next to the park will also offer snacks for trail users. There will be something for everyone and it will be a great addition to our state park family." [/black][/#800080]
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