TOPEKA (KSNT) – County officials gave the green light on Thursday for the construction of new cabins at Lake Shawnee.
Shawnee County commissioners voted 2-1 on March 12 to approve the construction of two new cabins at Lake Shawnee’s campground area. Commissioners approved of a bid for Shirley Construction to build the new cabins at a cost of $402,000.
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Commissioner Kevin Cook raised a question during the meeting about the cost of the new cabins. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent said he expects the cabins to pay for themselves within five years.
“They are a little bit nicer,” said Tim Laurent. “I would say a little bit larger than what you would see in a state park, but not substantially. So, that’s really about all I can say, I think we’re right in there on the square footage price for construction.”
The cabins will be available for rent after they are finished and come with their own bathrooms, according to agenda documents. The new cabins are expected to bring in additional revenue to the campground area and add new temporary living spaces for guests at the lake.
There will be a lofted cabin that will have a total space of 755 square feet while the other cabin will be 590 square feet, according to agenda documents. Funding for the project is being provided through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant, the campground revolving fund and the building maintenance fund.
(Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Commission)
(Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Commission)
(Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Commission)
(Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Commission)
(Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Commission)
Commissioners Bill Riphahn and Aaron Mays voted in favor of approving the project. Cook voted against the motion.
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