BOONE, Iowa—Campers at Ledges State Park will soon be able to enjoy a newly constructed playground in the park’s popular campground. Two years ago a major renovation project occurred in the Ledges campground that included upgrades to water, sewer, and electrical systems; but did not replace the park’s nearly 30-year-old playground.

Over the last year and a half volunteers from Friends of the Ledges raised funds through the establishment of a general store concession operation at the park, along with major funding assistance from a variety of local grants. The major contributing grants and businesses included Boone County Community Endowment, Grow Greene County, Leonard Good Trust, Pratt-Fenton Trust, Boone County FORCE, Madrid Community Endowment, Ramsey Subaru, Boone Daybreaker and Noon Kiwanis, and Boone Bank & Trust.

It was truly a community effort from the volunteers raising funds, to the generous donors from all parts of Boone County, to the park staff and Friends Group members on the ground installing the equipment. This project continues a strong legacy of our Boone County community’s’ support for one of the greatest state parks in Iowa.

The upgrades two years ago have been well received by campers. So far in 2020, the Ledges campground has an average occupancy rate of over 63% since May 8th. That is up from 50% over the same timeframe in 2019. The enhanced amenities are drawing more people in and for longer stays. The playground replacement will only help to improve the visitor experience at one of Iowa’s busiest state park campgrounds.

The new playground equipment is themed as “nature inspired play”, incorporating play structures with replicated natural elements such as trees, logs, and boulders. While most of the hard work installing the equipment is finished, staff at Ledges are still waiting on mulch to arrive at the park for the playground surfacing. Look for the new equipment to become officially available around July 1st.