Manson receives $500,000 from Chelan County Commissioners

MANSON – Chelan County Commissioners approved a fund request for the acquisition of Leffler Field  in Manson during their meeting on Feb. 4.

The half a million dollar contribution brings the Manson Chamber of Commerce closer to the $1.3 million needed to secure the property by the end of May. Brian Patterson is working closely with Rep. Mike Steele to obtain another $500,000 from the State Ways and Means committee.

On Feb. 11, the Leffler Field committee will get together to formulate a marketing campaign. The campaign will focus on inviting  people from all over to donate, not just locals.  “There are a lot of people who come to the Lake Chelan Valley, who enjoy the valley and we want to give them the opportunity for them to give as well,” said Manson Chamber Director Jeff Conwell. He believes that a strong community effort could get them to the finish line.

Ideas on what to build in Leffler Field have been floating around. They have included a swimming pool, an amphitheater for concerts, an ice rink, or even a splash pad. Other possibilities include building a community and recreation center. “That might include a gym, a swimming pool, weight room.” However, all these options are just ideas and nothing is yet concrete.

As Conwell states, the committee wants to hear from the community. A couple of community meetings will be scheduled in the near future to share the project with the community and to hear development ideas from them.

The field has been part of the Manson community for years. “The Lefflers have been incredibly generous allowing usage of that field … it’s just been used so heavily by the community, it has been a great resource,” Conwell explained.

Parks brings a big economic value to a community from a business standpoint. “It gives people more reasons to come to Downtown Manson, it gives visitors a reason to be in Downtown Manson … on top of that when you look at reason why companies relocate to a another community they look at the amenities a community has to offer and parks and recreational activities rank at the very top,” claimed Conwell.

So far the project has received a broad range of support from local entities, including letters of support from Manson School District, Manson Park and Recreation Department, Manson Community Council and from the Port of Chelan County Commissioners.

Once the land is purchased, Phase 2 of the project will begin. Phase 2 will include applying for grants or going back to the State Legislature to ask for additional revenue to improve the land.

“We are going to think big and dream big, we are not going to let the cost of development to be a deter, we are going to go for it,” said Conwell.  

If you wish to contribute to the cause donations are welcome on web at www.givetolefflerpark.org.

For more information contact Jeff Conwell (509)433-8000.