by Richard Uhlhorn
This coming Wednesday representatives from the National Golf Foundation will be in town to meet with golf course stakeholders, golf course staff and parks staff in preparation of conducting a study which will hopefully determine an economically sustainable way forward. Their visit will also include a tour of the Chelan course along with other regional golf courses.
“What is important to you,” asked Parks Director Audrey Cooper. “What outcome would you like to see?” Brad Nelson replied that he is interested in the community’s perspective. Linda Reister stated she had written up her concerns and said she would email them out, but commented that she is interested in the benefits of how many are using the course, i.e. the high schools, local golfers and now the Boys and Girls Club program. In addition to those concerns, she added that she is interested in the social and health benefits the local seniors derive from playing the course.
The stakeholders meeting is not open to the public and/or media. Cooper explained that even she was not allowed to attend. “They want to get an unbiased understanding without any pressure from outside influence from the stakeholders.”
National Golf Foundation members will be introduced at the Tuesday, February 24, City Council meeting.
In other business:
The municipal code is being changed so that regular reports from the golf course Golf Pro can be required at the parks board meetings. “This code will allow reporting in various areas of the park including the golf course,” said Cooper. “It will go to council for approval in March.” Board member Todd Higley moved to approve the change and it was unanimously approved.
2026 Goals:
Higley brought up the potential for maintenance issues at the new playground at Lakeside and the Gorge Park (Stinky Field),
Councilman Shane Collins, past board member and now city liaison asked about the city’s lease of the proposed Gorge Park for one more year. Cooper replied, “We did a one-year extension.” Cooper added that the extension will give the parks and city to have a conversation with the PUD.
Reister asked why nothing ever happened to the plans for the park. “Why did they spend all that money if they were not going to fix it?” Collins replied that once the park was updated, the parks department could bring back tournaments. Once updated, the ballfields could once again begin to charge fees for its use. Cooper said that they have to have to start with a plan and go after grants. “We have to have a framework. That is on my radar.” Reister added that you have to have quality field to charge fees.
The PUD is required by their FERC license to maintain this park as a part of their recreational public benefit.
Reister stated that one 2026 goal is to figure out how to keep the golf course economically sustainable. Cooper brought up the 2021 Economic Study that summarized the golf course’s economic impact on the Lake Chelan Valley.
Janet Heg (on Zoom) stated her goal was a peaceful co-existence or use of the parks with the community. “We need a discussion with the community.”
Concessionaires:
Cooper reported that a Mobile Sauna company was exploring the Lake Chelan Area and would like the parks department to consider it a potential concessionaire. “They would like to be close to the water,” said Cooper. Reister asked if they wanted to operate year-round? Cooper replied that she didn’t know. “What is their goal… a couple of months or longer?” Reister replied, “I think we ask for some kind of a presentation.” Higley stated that he didn’t like the idea.
The parks department is now phasing in payments that reflect the market rate for the Lakeview Drive-in’s concession payments to the city.
The Lake Chelan Sailing Association will continue to operate without payment because of the benefit of teaching sailing and offering a host of evening sailing opportunities to locals. However, the parks department is planning on a dock location for pick-up and drop-off for boaters. Cooper said the marina staff has said there isn’t much conflict with other marina operations by the sailing association. “There will be specific sections of dock to pick-up and drop-off boaters.
All Things Lake Chelan 