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Commissioners allocate up to $250,000 to Manson park project

The Board of County Commissioners recently approved the allocation of up to $250,000 in economic development funds to a project that would upgrade Manson’s Old Swim Hole waterfront community park for visitors and residents alike.

The decision comes at a time when Manson Parks and Recreation needs to fill a funding gap to allow the project to move forward. The organization now needs to raise an additional $125,000 by Nov. 15 to meet grant requirements.

Commissioner Brad Hawkins said he hopes the board’s decision sparks other agencies or contributors to come forward for the Manson community.

“Hopefully our decision sends a positive message to the community and helps build momentum to close the remaining gap,” Hawkins said.

Manson Parks and Recreation has raised about $1.8 million for the Old Swim Hole project, which includes building a new seawall, reconstructing the beach, adding stairs and a ramp, stabilizing the shoreline and constructing a dock for nonmotorized watercraft. The project, located along the shoreline by Manson Boulevard, also would add a pedestrian boardwalk, connecting the area with Manson Bay Park.

However, construction costs came in about $375,000 over the cost of the project, the agency has reported.

“I think this is an important project for the community,” Economic Services Director Ron Cridlebaugh said at the meeting. “I think it has a lot of economic benefit. I think it fits with our tourism study, which talks about maintaining our tourism-related infrastructure and spreading tourism throughout the area.”

Commissioners agreed to allocate the money from economic development funds, with the understanding that up to 50 percent could be reimbursed from lodging tax dollars and/or the proceeds of the potential sale of property from another Manson park project. The next meeting of the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is Nov. 19.

Commissioner Kevin Overbay, referencing community park projects in Plain and Malaga that the county is providing funding, said contributing to the Manson project fits with the county’s goals.

“This goes right in hand with what we are doing in the other two districts,” he said. “It is supporting recreational and tourism opportunities in each one of the (three) districts.”

Hawkins added that Manson Parks and Recreation is a small organization that is taking on big projects for the betterment of the community.

“I’d love to support them so they can get these projects across the finish line,” he said.

Commissioner Shon Smith was excused from Monday’s meeting.

Last Updated: 10/28/2026 04:22 PM

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