DRAKESVIILLE, IOWA -- There's a new light shining on Lake Wapello State Park -- or make that four new lights.

Four lampposts have been installed throughout the park, thanks to a grant written by the Friends of Lake Wapello group. The previous lights were several years old, had degrading poles and many did not work any more.

The installation gives better lighting and security at the park's entrance, restaurant and both boat ramps.

"So far what we see is making lighting a lot nicer and a lot easier for boating access and people coming in and trying to fly fish or whatever in the evening," said Ron Moore, park manager. "Just security in the parking lot at the restaurant and people coming into the park can actually see our entrance now and not drive by - they'll know where they're going."

The park typically makes their improvements in the off season, after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.

This year, those improvements have included a resurfacing of all the park's roads and ordering a new playground, which will be installed near the beach and restaurant in the spring.