(Quasqueton)– The Natural Resources Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources voted unanimously this (Thurs.) morning to re-name the state pier in Arnolds Park in memory of Berkley Bedell. It will now be known as “The Berkley Bedell State Pier”. Todd Coffelt, the DNR’s State Parks Bureau Chief, presented the request to the commission…
“I think it’s important to say that the DNR is not naming this, we are the mechanism that the community has come forward in recognition so this is an effort from the locals who have provided the idea, if you will, for naming and recognizing Mr. Bedell. The DNR is responsible because it is a state-owned property, so it is the citizens that have come forward to do this. The DNR isn’t naming it, we’re acting on behalf of the citizens to do this.”
Margo Underwood, Chair of the Natural Resource Commission, spoke in favor of the request…
“I personally think this is a wonderful effort on the part of the folks in the Okoboji area to honor a man who has done so much for the area. I think it’s very fitting to do that.”
A ribbon cutting and dedication of the newly renovated State Pier is being planned for Labor Day weekend.
