Lakeside Park set to reopen after $1.3 million renovation

CHELAN — After nine months of construction, one of Chelan’s most popular waterfront parks is ready to welcome visitors back.

The City of Chelan will celebrate the grand reopening of Lakeside Park on June 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting a $1.3 million renovation project that has added new amenities, improved accessibility and upgraded infrastructure throughout the park.

The ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Lakeside Park, 2230 Terrace Ave. Community members are invited to attend, explore the improvements and celebrate the reopening with family and friends.

Located along Lake Chelan’s shoreline, Lakeside Park has long served as a gathering place for residents and visitors. City officials said the renovation was designed to modernize the facility while preserving the natural setting and family-friendly atmosphere that has made the park a local favorite for generations.

Among the most visible changes is a new ADA-accessible playground intended to provide greater access and play opportunities for children of all abilities.

Additional improvements include expanded restroom facilities with twice the previous stall capacity, ADA-compliant pathways, outdoor handwashing stations, enhancements to the beach and swimming area, a replacement T-dock, new landscaping and additional lighting throughout the site.

“This project reflects the City’s commitment to creating accessible, welcoming spaces where families and friends can gather, children can play, and everyone can access Chelan’s incredible waterfront,” Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Cooper said in a statement.

Funding for the project came through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and supported by the National Park Service. The city also contributed matching funds. According to the city, many elements of the project were shaped by public feedback gathered through surveys, workshops and other planning efforts.

City officials encourage residents to attend the June 15 celebration and take a first look at the renovated park, which is once again ready to serve as a community gathering place along the lake.

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