by Richard Uhlhorn
Jim Oscarson, Chelan Golf Pro, told the Parks Board at its Thursday, November 20 meeting, that the course had most rounds ever played on the course in one season. “We were able to open on March 21 and we shut down November 9… 235 days later,” Oscarson said. The course brought in $109,000 over its revenue estimates based on its 29,000 rounds played.
Course revenues were $1,712,267. Expenditures on the course was $779,795 and ground maintenance was $918,163 with a gross gain of $14,309.00.
One of the largest expenditures this season was replacing an irrigation pump that failed at a cost of $238,000. This pump went down in late June forcing hand watering. “The crew did an excellent job and worked overtime.”
Oscarson also informed the board that that the driving range was redone at a cost of $10,000. The golf course had a private bid of $100,000+. “We did the project inhouse for $10,000 and the Lake Chelan Men’s Club donated $2,000 to the effort. It is a super addition to the course,” said Oscarson
Currently the course has four different league’s; men, senior men, ladies and youth. Additionally, the Lake Chelan Boys and Girls Club added another segment of youth learning the game.
Oscarson stated that the Golf Course is also a destination for tourists. “We had very little smoke this year,” stated Oscarson. “Weather is a critical factor. All in all, it was a fabulous year. On our highest day we had 258 golfers.”
Interim Parks Director, Audrey Cooper, said, “The course was well staffed this year.” Oscarson also said he was able to hire experienced staff from other golf courses which helped tremendously in its operation.
“It is such treasure to have the golf course. We are visited by both tourists and second homers. We are really lucky to have it. We hope to stay sustainable and a place for people to recreate.” Oscarson added.
Finance Director Heidi Evans stated she recognized the benefits of Chelan’s park system, but said there is a true cost of doing business. “The city has concerns without and with capital expenditures,” said Evans.
While revenues continue to grow, there are expenditures that push the course’s revenue stream into negative numbers. With the pump failure, Evans remarked that the course has a $101,000 loss which is being covered by the City’s two percent lodging tax fund.
“We are trying to make some changes… trying to smooth out viability,” said Evans. In 2026, Evans said the City wants each commercial city enterprise to operate independently with lodging taxes to help balance the financial sheet. “We do budget very conservatively. The parks are operating better with no tax payer dollars.” (NOTE: Chelan’s park system is the only park system in the state that operates without the benefit of local tax payer dollars.)
The City is planning on hiring a consultant to perform a new study on the golf course. “The RFPs go out this month. We want to know how we best serve both of those populations.”
Currently, according to Ocarson, the golf course serves 167 single players, 67 families and 69 juniors. “We are getting pretty close to full,” said Oscarson. Mayor McCardle said, “You still have a lot of wiggle room.” Oscarson replied, “What should our rates be? Other courses are similar… our peak rate is $100 and $77 in the off-season. There’s only so much money people can spend on recreation.”
The other issue facing the course is its proposed irrigation project that is estimated to cost upwards of $4 million. “Where do these funds come from?” Also, insurance rates keep climbing. Currently the golf course is paying $228,000.
The Albatross operation also came up. The Pittsinger’s completed updated the club house and are operating a fine dining restaurant at the location. “They could serve the golfers a little better,” said Oscarson who added, “Julie has been really cooperative.”
Parks board member, Linda Reister said, “From the ladies perspective it was much better this year.”
If the weather continues to cooperate and no wildfire smoke hinders the users, the Chelan Golf Course should continue to provide a quality amenity for the City. The busiest months have been July and August, but according to Oscarson June is also building into a busy period.
In other business.
Reister brought up the youth sports issue which has been turned over the Boys and Girls Club with the exception of K-Beach Volleyball. “We don’t do youth sports anymore,” said Reister. “Why don’t we give back the PUD owned land… they do maintenance for free.” She added it would be a win-win situation for the parks department.
With Shane Collins leaving the parks board for the City Council, there are parks board openings where applications can be found on the City’s website.
Cooper said there will not be a parks board meeting in December.
All Things Lake Chelan 