Village Green takes shape in Manson as work accelerates

MANSON — A winter that fell short for skiers has turned out to be a quiet win for a long-envisioned community space in Manson.

Work on the Manson Village Green is moving ahead of schedule this spring, with favorable weather helping push the project into its next phase as landscaping and site improvements begin to take shape.

In the coming weeks, organizers expect to install electrical lines, irrigation, and new sod, bringing the site closer to its intended use as a gathering space along Wapato Way. Plans also include picnic tables, lighting, and signage to complete the park’s basic layout.

The progress marks the latest step in a project that has unfolded in phases over the past year. Volunteers first gathered in April 2025 to begin clearing the newly acquired property, launching a community-led effort to create a shared green space.

Later in the year, demolition of the former Ernie’s building cleared the site entirely, opening the way for redevelopment and a long-imagined public space near the lake.

That vision, sustained by local volunteers and community groups, is now beginning to take visible form.

Organizers say two picnic tables have already been sponsored, with additional opportunities available for those interested in contributing. Each table costs about $1,200, part of an ongoing community fundraising effort supporting the project.

The Village Green is being developed through the Lake Chelan Community Services Council (LCCSC), a nonprofit that continues to accept donations to fund remaining improvements and future phases. Contributions can be made by mail to the LCCSC at P.O. Box 691 in Manson.

Residents can also learn more about the project at a community gathering scheduled for April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Manson Grange, where the council will share updates on the Village Green and other local initiatives.

As work continues, the site is beginning to shift from an idea shaped by volunteers into a physical space, one that reflects both the persistence behind the project and the community it is intended to serve.

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