SPIRIT LAKE - Goodbye Fireside Lodge, hello Fireside Park.

The historic Fireside Lodge on Spirit Lake was torn down this week to give way to the construction of the 1.7-acre Fireside Park.

"It may not be complete, but we hope residents will be able to enjoy the park early this summer," Spirit Lake Mayor Todd Clary said.

The project, which will give Spirit Lake its first lakeside city park, is being funded through the urban renewal agency.

The $50,000 first phase includes demolition of the lodge, site preparation, removal of some trees that have suffered from disease, a sprinkler system, privacy fence for the neighbors and a 22-stall parking lot.

"We're moving forward with a beautiful waterfront park for the citizens of Spirit Lake and others to enjoy," said Marc Kroetch, a Spirit Lake parks board member.

Kroetch said the park will be used for swimming lessons and recreational summer rentals. Rentals are currently available across the street near the boat launch.

An additional $100,000 will be generated with urban renewal funding for the park. The site will include picnic areas, restrooms, a sandy beach and dock. It is expected to be completed in summer 2015. Residents chose the name of the park during a vote at Miller's Grocery.

The dismantling of the lodge didn't come without sad feelings from some residents because of its deep roots in Spirit Lake.

The three-story, 6,000-square-foot lodge was built in 1907 and was the former Panhandle Lumber Company office.It was moved to the property from a nearby location in 1945.

Rod and Nancy Erickson acquired the building in 1989 and ran a bed and breakfast, gift shop, restaurant and RV park out of it. They own a cabin next to the site. The urban renewal agency bought the lodge property from the Ericksons for $500,000.

Rod said he has mixed feelings about what's happening to the property. He's pleased that it's becoming a lakeside park because one is needed, but he also hoped the building would be preserved and moved.

"It's a shame that it was torn down," Rod said.

He said he inquired about placing it on the National Register of Historic Places, but was told it wouldn't qualify because it had been moved.

Erickson said moving the building was explored by some residents and the cost estimate was $60,000.

The hurdles, Erickson and city officials said, were that a site couldn't be found to move it to, and no one had the funds to move it.

Clary said it would have been cost-prohibitive for the city to preserve or move it.

"We had a couple people who were interested in it, but they didn't have the credentials or insurance to do something like that," Clary said.

Kroetch said the building was offered for free two years ago to anyone who wanted it as long as they move it. He said he believes ample time was given to those who wanted to save the building.

"It was the unanimous opinion of our parks board that the building does not belong in our waterfront park," Kroetch said. "It would have made a lousy event center since it was not ADA approved. It was time for it to go."

Kroetch said he's not against preserving history - and he has also participated in preservation efforts - but he believes preserving the lodge wouldn't have been wise.

Kroetch said he has been accused of "sneaking" the park project through and the election process made it clear that some residents, including city candidates, are not up to speed on the process.

Therefore, the city's parks department has organized a raffle fundraiser to create more awareness about the park. Proceeds will go toward park costs not covered by urban renewal funding.

• Raffle fundraiser

A raffle fundraiser is being held to benefit the construction of Fireside Park in Spirit Lake. Prizes include a utility task vehicle (UTV), mountain bikes, a pedal boat, fishing and beach packages, swimming lessons, gift certificates to area businesses and more. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. They are on sale at Miller's Grocery, the Parkside sports bar and Linger Longer bar. A total of 5,000 tickets will be available to purchase through Sept. 1. The raffle will be held during Labor Day weekend. Information: 623-2131