Chelan weighs $20.25 million in parks improvements as needs exceed funding

CHELAN — From playground safety surfacing to a multimillion-dollar golf course irrigation overhaul, Chelan faces approximately $20.25 million in identified parks and recreation capital needs over the next six years, according to a draft plan presented to the City Council on Oct. 13.

Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Cooper introduced the proposed 2027–2032 capital improvement program as a starting point for deciding which projects should advance and how the city might pay for them. The list exceeds available funding, and council did not approve a spending package or construction schedule.

The draft brings together improvements at public parks and the city’s revenue-producing recreation facilities, including the golf course, RV park, marina and putting course. It includes approximately $9.72 million in general parks projects and $10.53 million in improvements to those commercial operations.

Cooper said the list draws from the city’s 2024 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, updated to reflect current facility conditions and staff estimates in 2026 dollars. More precise estimates would require architectural or engineering work.

Much of the proposed spending would replace or rehabilitate existing facilities as they reach the end of their useful lives. Cooper said staff considers both age and condition, continuing to maintain older facilities when they remain safe and serviceable.

The largest individual project is approximately $4.9 million in improvements at Don Morse Park, including a new playground, accessible pathways, a restroom and concession building, skatepark and parking lot improvements. The draft places construction in 2029, though Cooper emphasized that the proposed years are tentative.

A golf course irrigation replacement is estimated at $4.5 million, with construction listed for 2028. The work would include a new pump station, pond liners, underground piping, water intake source and modern controls.

Separately, council approved a $144,974 agreement with McKinstry for an investment-grade audit of golf course irrigation, domestic water infrastructure and exterior lighting. That work is intended to establish project scopes, construction pricing and anticipated utility savings without committing the city to construction.

Other major entries in the parks plan include $2.5 million for first-phase improvements at Chelan Gorge Park, $1.5 million for a marina-area restroom replacement, $1.3 million for a golf course maintenance shop and $1.3 million for electrical upgrades at the Lakeshore RV Park.

The RV work would convert sites from 30-amp to 50-amp service. According to the draft, the park does not have enough higher-capacity sites to accommodate all guest requests.

The list also includes a $1.5 million indoor golf driving range with simulators. Cooper distinguished that proposal from the replacement and rehabilitation projects, describing it as a potential investment in generating additional golf course revenue.

Smaller projects include playground safety surfacing, ballfield conditioning at Chelan Gorge Park, replacement of underwater chains securing marina docks and a water fountain and foot-wash station at Lakeside Park. Recurring needs include equipment replacement, beach nourishment and golf cart path repairs.

The draft identifies potential grant contributions for some projects, but those amounts are not awards. Cooper said many state Recreation and Conservation Office construction grants require a 50% match, and projects could compete for the same funding opportunities.

Council members discussed seeking additional community input and recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board before settling priorities. Cooper said the board had already identified playground safety and the Chelan Gorge Park ballfields among its goals earlier this year.

She also said community involvement would be part of designing individual park projects, which can require 12 to 18 months of design and permitting work before construction.

The plan will help inform upcoming budget and long-range planning discussions. Project priorities, funding sources and construction years remain subject to further review.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media