Linn County Conservation hosting Open House for newly constructed Red Cedar Lodge
New facility replaces 40-year-old structure.
LINN COUNTY, IA –Feb 24, 2017- After a year of construction, the new Red Cedar Lodge at Squaw Creek County Park near Marion is nearly complete. The venue has been popular for family outings, graduation events, weddings and receptions, and corporate retreats since its original opening in 1975.
Background: Linn County Conservation recently identified needed upgrades to the heating unit, the non-ADA compliant restrooms, and other deteriorating components of the lodge. After securing the services of Shive-Hattery, it was determined the cost of renovation would surpass that of a new building. The Conservation Board approved the construction of a new facility. Following open houses for input on the new design, Kleiman Construction received the low bid of $1.47 Million. Financing is provided by the Linn County Conservation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) fund. NO dollars from the recently passed Linn County Water and Legacy bond issue are used for this project.
Today: The new Red Cedar Lodge now includes air conditioning with other energy efficiencies, a full kitchen, ADA compliant restrooms, new changing areas/dressing rooms, and a gas-operated fireplace. Red Cedar Lodge can seat 150 indoors and up to 200 with outdoor patio space. Other amenities include a separate catering/service entrance, two double outdoor cooking grills, and a gravel pad for larger smokers and grills.
An open house for the Red Cedar Lodge (1700 Bluestem Dr) in Squaw Creek Park will be held:
Thursday, March 2 5:30 – 7:30pm
Sunday, March 5 1-4pm
There will be no formal presentation, but the public is invited to take their own tour of the lodge, located in the heart of the very picturesque Squaw Creek Park, located just off Highway 100, west of Highway 13.
Red Cedar Lodge is currently accepting rental reservations for dates after April 8. To reserve the lodge, go to www.LinnCountyParks.com Click on facilities (under Lodge-Red Cedar) or call (319) 892-6450.
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