This summer’s pier replacement at Lake Yankton is an outstanding example of how collaboration can turn challenges into success for rural communities. By combining resources, generosity, and a shared love for their town, the Balaton Area Community Foundation and its partners made sure summer fun could continue uninterrupted.
Nestled along Highway 14 on the north edge of Balaton, Lake Yankton is a destination for residents and visitors alike. In the summer, it’s a hub for swimming, boating, fishing, and socializing. When winter arrives, the lake draws outdoor enthusiasts for ice fishing.
Earlier this year, it was discovered that the city’s pier on the lake needed costly repairs. Local business Hoek Outdoors agreed to sell the City of Balaton a pier at cost — and to install, remove, and store it for free.
To get the new pier in place for the summer, Balaton Area Community Foundation, the Chester Johnson Charitable Trust, City of Balaton, and Post 237 Balaton American Legion worked together to donate funds quickly. The upgrade was ready just in time for Balaton Fun Fest!
“I love how local folks work together to make seemingly impossible things happen for a community our size,” said BACF Board Chair Theresa Zaske, who also serves on the SWIF Board of Directors.
The role of the Balaton Area Community Foundation
Created in 2008, the Balaton Area Community Foundation (BACF) made its first grant in 2009. Since then, the board has worked to support efforts that improve and build on the great legacy of Balaton. The foundation is dedicated to making Balaton a growing and healthy community by providing opportunities for everyone to impact the present and invest in the future.
As one of several local charitable organizations, BACF thrives on teamwork and collaboration. To date, BACF has awarded nearly 100 grants and contributed more than $230,000 back to the community.
Recently, BACF launched a new website and logo featuring the iconic blue chair at Knudson-Bosley Park. Installed last summer, the giant Adirondack lounger was one of two park upgrades made possible by a BACF grant. Five new picnic tables now give visitors a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the lake views.
A Network of Local Impact
BACF is part of our network of 31 community foundations that support passionate people with the resources to make positive change. Each foundation is guided by a local advisory board that leads fundraising efforts, recommends grants, shares stories of local impact, and promotes their town.
Support your local community foundation or another fund that benefits a cause you care about close to home. See a full list of our partner funds in southwest Minnesota.
