Chelan County offers gift to Manson Parks' Old Swim Hole project

Robin Pittman, director of the Manson Park and Recreation District, stands outside the district office overlooking Lake Chelan in January 2026. The Old Swim Hole restoration project location is visible along the shoreline. Photo courtesy: Andrew Simpson, Ward Media.

Creative thinking brought an impromptu proposal before the Chelan County commissioners on Monday. Chelan County Economic Services Director Ron Cridlebaugh heard of the need for additional financial support that was needed for the Manson Parks’ Old Swim Hole and dog park renovation project.

Rising construction costs have been challenging to the renovation project. Having raised $1.8 million already, Parks Director Robin Pittman has asked for additional donations when construction bids came in higher than affordable.

Pittman says about $375,000 is needed to fund a new seawall, shoreline stabilization, beach area,  stairs and ramps, and a dock for nonmotorized watercraft. The project would also add a pedestrian boardwalk connecting the Old Swim Hole with neighboring Manson Bay Park, along with pathways, landscaping and parking improvements.

“Is there something the county can do?” Cridlebaugh asked, suggesting the commissioners consider using a portion of the county’s sales tax proceeds to assist. “I think we could make an argument that you can use lodging tax, county tax, to help fill that delta. That delta needs to be filled by Nov. 15 or they lose part of their grant funding.”

“I think this is an important project for the community,” added Cridlebaugh. “I think it has a lot of economic benefit. I think it fits with our (Chelan County) tourism study that talks about being able to maintain our tourism related infrastructure to help spread tourist activity out across a greater area and this will help to do all of that. Tourism is really a major driver for the Manson area.”

In speaking to the current Manson Parks’ project and other endeavors undertaken by the town’s parks and recreation department, county commissioner Brad Hawkins said, “They’re a small organization doing great work, but they’re taking on big things. I’d like to support them so they can get these projects across the finish line.”

It didn’t take long before Hawkins endorsed Cridlebaugh’s idea of utilizing available funds, “Up to $250,000 from our economic development funds to the Manson Old Swim Hole project.”

“I would support a motion of up to $250,000, based on what their fundraising is,” said commissioner Kevin Overbay. “I would support that.”

"Oh my gosh, I can't even thank them enough," exclaimed Pittman. "That's huge (the county investment). That's a pretty darn good chance that could save the project if we've got some other community players in there. That's a huge chunk of the burden, huge."

“Hopefully this will jumpstart them on closing the (fundraising) gap, Hawkins added.

“This is going to be a really viable thing,” Overbay said in speaking of the overall Lake Chelan shoreline project. “Not only for the quality of life of the folks that reside there, but also for also for the experience for those who visit there.”

“I have to be honest, my heart is with Manson,” added Overbay. Manson is a community I grew up in. My parents graduated from Manson High School, so I still have a tie to it (the community).” 

“They’re ambitious and doing great things,“ said Hawkins of the Manson community. “They’re definitely scrappy and resourceful and have a lot of pride for their community.”