Old Swim Hole upgrade project gets necessary funding to proceed

A new swim hold and dog park appears to be in the making, as Manson Parks has now received commitments for the money needed to pay for construction costs.

The Chelan-Douglas Port Commissioners on Wednesday approved investment of up to $50,000 to the project.

"The funding commitment is $23,460 to fill the remaining funding that's needed," said Port CEO Jim Kuntz, upon approval of the Port Commission Wednesday afternoon. "The balance of the funds, the $26,540 would be eligible to use in the event the project needed some contingency funding."

"The board was impressed with all of the funding partners," added Kuntz. "Chelan County PUD was a major funder, Chelan County used sales tax funding, the Manson Parks did a great job of describing the need and in particular the public benefit of bringing back a vigorous swim hole for the community. It's just a well packaged ask and a need that needed to be filled. The regional port wants to make investments in that area."

Now, Manson Parks Director Robin Pittman says the Manson Parks Board will discuss on Thursday, how to proceed with the project.

It’s a proposed multi-million dollar renovation of a section of the Lake Chelan north shore line to include a boardwalk connecting the win hole with Manson Bay Park, an ADA accessible ramp, a new protective seawall and dock into the lake that would be inviting to kayaks and paddleboards.