The centerpiece of the two-year campground improvement project at the American Legion Campground near Warba, Minn., was the renovation and expansion of the swimming beach.
The beach was regraded to improve safety and accessibility, and stabilized to protect the shoreline and water quality of Sand Lake. For local residents, this means improved access to a nearby public swimming area in an underserved area, and for campers and visitors, it adds a high-quality amenity that enhances the overall campground experience in this rural part of Itasca County.
Along with the beach improvements, the project included upgrades to campsites and electric hookups, improved access and parking, new signage, a new maintenance building, and equipment to support ongoing upkeep. The $124,000 project was fully grant funded and done by a campground that is operated entirely by American Legion volunteers. The American Legion Campground partnered with CEDA’s Region 5 specialist, Lisa Randall, to coordinate grant requests and manage the project budget, helping bring the project from planning through completion. A picnic was held on June 18, 2026 for funders, contractors and volunteers to celebrate and recognize the project’s success.
