DIKE -- The groups of fishermen gathered along the shores of the Grundy County Lake may be getting some more company this summer.

A proposed 64-site campground yards away from the lake is finally moving toward completion after years of delays. Grundy County Conservation Board officials expect the grounds to be open by August, barring any more delays from the weather.

"This whole thing is exciting for our program," said Kevin Williams, conservation board director.

The 255-acre lake park was created as a by-product of the expansion of U.S. Highway 20. The Iowa Department of Transportation deeded the land to the conservation board in 2000. Since then, the board has been at work expanding the park and rounding out the rest of the amenities.

The site includes an asphalt trail reaching back into Dike, on the other side the highway. Preservation of nearby prairies and wetlands has also progressed.

The only thing left is the campground and bath facility. The projects were delayed by fundraising issues and weather. Williams said it's been a bit frustrating for everyone involved.

"People like to see things pop up as quickly as possible," he said.

The campground project is expected to cost around $500,000, Williams said. A federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant covered $151,000 of that. A state Community Attraction and Tourism grant paid for an additional $124,000. The rest came from county money or private donations.

Curt Johnson, of Ubben Building Supply, said he expects the campground to be a big help to Dike. He said he often sees several Black Hawk County license plates at the lake when he's out fishing with his four boys.

"I think it's going to be a good deal, to be honest," Johnson said.

Many times, a camper won't remember to bring everything from home, he said. Hardware stores, grocers and others in town should see an increase in business from that.

With the addition of the campsites, the Grundy County Lake park becomes the largest in the county, Williams said.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.