The Buena Vista County Marina Subcommittee is asking residents to weigh in on the future of the lakefront building at the county marina.
A public poll is now open, offering two options for how the building could be used once the property is officially transferred from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to Buena Vista County.
Option A would convert the space into a nature and environmental education center with county conservation offices.
Option B proposes a mix of uses—including summer events with live music and food, shelter house reservations, and occasional nature programming.
Subcommittee spokesperson Jennifer Felton says public input will help shape the group’s recommendation to the Buena Vista County Conservation Board. She emphasized that all county residents, neighboring communities, and lake users should weigh in.
The marina building, located near Casino Beach on the west side of Storm Lake, has long been a focal point of lakefront activity. Originally managed by the Iowa DNR, the site has served various seasonal functions over the years—from boat rentals and concessions to public restrooms and informal gathering space.
In recent years, however, the building’s future has been uncertain. A public meeting last winter explored interest from private vendors to operate a restaurant or full-service marina, but limited interest and unresolved questions about the property’s transfer timeline led the subcommittee to pivot toward public-use options.
Since then, the county has made visible improvements to the building, restrooms, and dock area. A new bait shop and enhanced hoist management were added over the summer, drawing positive feedback from lake visitors.
To take the poll and help shape the future of the marina, visit bit.ly/marinapoll or scan the QR code on the Storm Lake Radio website or Facebook page.
