Arnould’s Park flourishing a year after facing death

A big celebration is underway this weekend in the “Great Lakes” region of northwest Iowa. It was one year ago that residents rallied to save the Arnold’s Park amusement area from the wrecking ball. The Great Lakes Maritime Museum now runs the park along West Okoboji Lake. Marketing Manager Theresa Grosvenor says they have events running throughout the weekend to celebrate. Grosvenor says they’ve seen resurgence in attendance this summer after all the publicity about the park.She says guests seemed to be impressed with the improvements made in the park.There’s also a special ceremony Sunday to celebrate the newly widened Highway 71. Grosvenor says the new highway has helped cut traffic congestion through the area.Volunteers jumped into action to save Arnold’s Park last year after a developer announced plans to raze the park and build condominiums. The effort raised more than seven million dollars to keep the 110-year-old park from extinction.