Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has something to offer for everyone who likes to get outside for some fun and relaxation.

The sprawling 6,000 acre park in southeastern Webster County offers plenty of room to ride your horse or your mountain bike. Its massive lake beckons people to go fishing, kayaking or swimming.

Its location south of U.S. Highway 20 makes it easily accessible to a big portion of Iowa’s population.

That’s why a recent announcement by the state Department of Natural Resources was such welcome news.

That agency announced that it would spend $2 million over the next year or so to upgrade the campgrounds and some of the park’s roads. This investment will keep the park in top condition and inviting to campers.

A lot of nice improvements will be produced by that $2 million investment.Those familiar with the north equestrian campground will spot a lot of upgrades, including new electrical service, gravel roads in the area of non-electric campsites, a horse wash, new water lines, new campfire rings, grills and picnic tables.

The campground closest to the beach will get some new full-service connection sites and a concrete parking lot with space for 40 vehicles.

Electrical connections will be added to a number of sites at the south campground.

All of this is good news for campers.

It is also good news for the wider community. The people coming to camp at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area need food and fuel. That translates to more customers for local businesses. And those campers might visit more than just the convenience stores and supermarkets.

Because of its benefits to the park and the surrounding area, we applaud these improvements at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.