golf – All Things Lake Chelan

CHELAN PARKS AND GOLF COURSE EXPLORING NEW FEE STRUCTURES AND PLANS

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Parks Advisory Committee – August 20:
Parks Director Audrey Cooper and the advisory committee have been diligently working on the up and coming budget season for the parks department.

Discussed at length were proposed fees for the ball fields at Chelan Gorge Park. These parks continue to be used for baseball, softball, senior softball and soccer, mostly youth programs.

The fee structure has not been determined yet, but the parks department is on the budget meeting agenda where these potential fees will be provided to City Council for discussion and approval

One Wenatchee softball team has used the Chelan fields as their primary field and, according to Cooper they have said the Chelan field is critical to their team because it is central for teams from up north and in the Methow.

The Chelan Youth Baseball group has expressed a desire to have more tournaments take place in Chelan.

In addition, the Youth Soccer team has requested real turf when major changes are made at the park.

It was suggested that an ad hoc committee of local groups to discuss what needs to be done to address the parks needs.

Chairman Linda Reister stated that the park has accommodated 168 youth players that participated in the Chelan Youth Fast Pitch group this year.

Golf Course update:
The committee is also discussing its golf course fee policy. Cooper stated that she has been working closely with Golf Pro Jim Oscarson. “Our big focus is working on a new business plan,” Cooper said. It is going through an internal review process and will be presented to council in October.

A big subject for the golf course is its current irrigation issue. The department is trying to figure out what the energy savings per year would be if the irrigation is updated.

**An adult golfer tees off from the No. 1 tee box.**

Management team:
The City has gone out with a RFP (Request for Proposals) for a potential management takeover of golf course operations.

This issue has become a hot topic on social media, mostly against the city even considering contracting with a management company to operate the course. The community has many concerns regarding contracting with a management company.

**Chelan and Manson High** School Golf Teams host other teams from around the region.

The City administration state that the request for proposals is merely a way to see how much it might cost. There is no plan at this time to remove the course from city management.

The department is also working on a new website for the golf course along with a marketing plan.

Cooper is also working on a six-year capital improvement program similar to what the Public Works Department has.

Advisory Board opening:
Todd Higley, Skydive Chelan, resigned his position on the board for new business reasons leaving a position open for individual interested in helping guide the parks department.

**Woody debris and smoke destroyed Chelan Park’s financial summer.**

Economic outlook – 2026 season:
Chelan’s summer outlook was going extremely well. Once schools were out the parks were busy and the Lakeside RV Park was full. Unfortunately the Little Giant Fire, which began from a lighting strike high in the Entiat drainage eventually moved north. As it grew in size it pushed smoke into the Lake Chelan Valley killing the Valley’s largest economic month.

The Park’s department and its vendors (and downtown businesses) saw overall business drop by up to 50±%. The RV Park which, like the golf course, is the largest source of revenue for the department lost its major revenue sources for August.

PARKS BOARD LOOKS AT IDEAS FOR GOLF COURSE SUSTAINABILITY

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Chelan Park’s Advisory Board called a special meeting on Monday, June 1 to discuss the National Golf Foundation’s final report on the Lake Chelan Golf Course.

**Parks Board Chair Linda Reister tells a large group of residents attending the special meeting to discuss the new golf course report that the Park Board’s function is only advisory.**

Chairman Linda Reister reminded those attending the meeting that, “We are just an advisory board.” She stated that the meeting was to go back through what the board’s thoughts are.

Parks Director Audrey Cooper said, “I wanted to have a conversation with you all.” She said she wanted to look at the big picture of structure and oversight and to break down a variety of options on operating expenses.

Board member Brad Nelson said the final report was an excellent review of the golf course. “I want to talk a little bit more about structure,” he said. “We have the opportunity to work with the team we have. It might be a good path to hire out.” Cooper replied that there were three options; 1.- stay autonomous as a city owned golf course. 2. – bring in a management team, and 3. – lease the property. “We are looking for operational savings and revenue,” said Cooper.

Nelson said the city would have to understand what a third party would bring and how much revenue the city would require. Nelson added that the city would need to retain in-house oversight of any plan they recommended. Cooper added that the city would need to build in incentives.

Reister stated that the question was how to fund the course if the city maintained it as a self-owned operation. Matt Engstrom added that the course needs to cut its operational expense.

Todd Higley stated that he couldn’t think of anyone who would want to take on $5 to $6 million in infrastructure costs. “Its hard to discuss how to fix operational costs,” said Higley. In addition the amount of funds the city takes for its interfund use. “Parks should be reimbursed for some of that,” he said.

Nelson added that the course’s economic impact from all of the parks amenities comes from outside sources. Janet Heg added that if the interfund process was removed, the course would be economically positive.

Cooper requested that the board come up with some proposals. “We are going to start working on next year’s budget.”

Heg suggested looking into a community bond (recreational tax district) or maybe a commercial loan (which probably wouldn’t work) or money transferred in from the city. Higley also mentioned a tax, but said it would probably be voted down.

Audrey brought up golf cart storage funding. Engstrom suggested new membership opitons. “An annual payment opens a lot of opportunities,” Engstrom said. “Annual membership has grown over the last five years.”

Nelson suggested raising rates and to open up the Golf Shop for LOGO wear. He also suggested that the required capital improvements (irrigation) be done in segments. “Due a few this year and few next year. Break it up in smaller sections,”

The Chelan Golf Course had 29,000 rounds played last year. An economic analysis conducted in 2021 by Earth Economics reported that the golf course brings an estimated $16.9 million to the Lake Chelan Valley. Since that report, the course has exceeded those numbers.

Cooper suggested lodging tax dollars.

Other ideas included commercial sponsorships or private investments.

Operationally, Cooper would like to see more use out of the driving range.

Reister brought up the Food & Beverage that is still under contract and the city receives no funds from that operation. The contract will be up in 2027 at which point a new contract can be negotiated.

Engstrom liked the idea of a capital investment fund.

NGF Lake Chelan GC Report

Is a lakeside SAUNA in your future?

by Richard Uhlhorn

Correction:
Parks Director Audrey Cooper has corrected a statement I made about Park Facility Use Fees. I misquoted her about waivers. She said that a new policy could outline a criteria for waiving fees on parks property. This new policy would be vetted through the Park’s Board and ultimately approved by City Council. A decision on who would qualify for a waiver has not been decided.

Is a shoreline sauna concession in the future for Don Morse Park?

At its Thursday, March 19 board meeting, the Chelan Parks Board heard a presentation by two Seattle entrepreneurs introducing a concept of including a year-round Sauna on the shoreline of Don Morse Park.

**Ross McLaughlin and Matthew Shelburne are exploring the possibility of providing a lakeside Sauna concession at Don Morse Park.**

Ross McLaughlin and Matthew Shelburne introduced the sauna concept as a Wellness Amenity. “We are not proposing a formal approval at this time,” said McLaughlin. He added that saunas are seeing rapid growth in the United States, basically where there are cold water activities going on.

They told the parks board that all requirements for the concession would have to be evaluated by the city before a proposal moves forward. They are seeking, if approved, a year-round concession.

The 8’X10’ sauna would be reservation based, It would have a modest deck and would support water activities.

BOARD QUESTIONS:
Matt Engstrom asked how the business would be operated. “It would be fully staffed,” they replied. The sessions in the sauna which could take up to 10 clients at a time would last 19 minutes at a cost of $30 to $45 per person.

They were asked where they were located in the Seattle market. They replied they haven’t established in that market yet. “We would like to bring it to other notable waters,” they said.

“It would be minimally impactful and we would love to pilot this in Chelan,” they said.

Obviously Lake Chelan is a notable water, but would it work here? Good Question. Apparently one exists on Lake Washington in Kirkland which Mathew Shelblurne (SP) uses frequently.

After their presentation, the board took up the pre-proposal and its potential ramifications.

Board Chair Linda Reister brought up the power (electrical) need that would have to be installed. “I think this would be like other concessions in the park,” she said.

Parks Director Audrey Cooper remarked that it could be worked out as a part of the contract but mentioned that Don Morse Park is not peaceful and quiet.

Matt Engstrom said his concern was putting money into the concession and it fails. “I’m not a fan of it.”

Cooper said, “It is a growing trend but is there enough people here to sustain it?”

In other business:
Cooper shared a number of photos from the Lakeside Park project and reported that the playground is almost completely installed and the restroom renovation is moving along. “In the next couple of weeks, they will begin installing the fictures.”

The docks are also being installed. And the park will be open for the Memorial Day weekend after a soft opening.

The parking area is also being re-striped by Public Works. “We will be able to fit in a few more parking spaces.”

Security:
The department is reviewing five security company applications for summer security. Cooper also stated that she hoped they can get some off duty Sheriff’s Deputies to come in during heave weekends, but also stated that overtime pay for them is expensive.

The security team would be on hand to help communicate park rules and regulations.

The parks staff will handle parking infractions Cooper said. “One idea we’ve been noodling around is (hiring) a park ranger.”

“We’ve learned a lot from last year about what worked and what didn’t,” Cooper said.

Parks facility use fees:
The use fees for the ballfields have been waived for this year. The process going forward is to find out what other communities are doing with their parks. The city has what is considered small town ballfields. “That’s what we have,” said Cooper. “We will charge rates but waive them for certain groups.”

“We need a new policy in place,” said Cooper. The plan is to work on a new policy and decide who qualifies for waivers.

Reister and Engstrom asked what would happen if the city doesn’t renew its contract with the PUD next year. The cost to maintain is an issue with the parks department. “We have the time to work on it,” said Cooper.

Uses that would not be waived would be for profit groups. Brad Chitty stated it all comes down to how Chelan’s parks are funded. Cooper replied that there are no tax dollars going to help maintain the parks. Engstrom asked how much money is currently being spent to maintain them.

Maintenance includes irrigation, mowing and maintaining the area like a public open space. It was stated that a facility that benefits the community is not going to offset all expenses.

In other business:
The golf course has opened for the season. Public restrooms are opening.

In April the board will be visiting Lakeside Park.

Shane Collins asked when the ongoing Golf Course Study will be presented. Cooper said it would be released on the first Tuesday in May.

Brad Chitty asked about grants. Cooper replied that the boat moorage is capped and limited on how it can operate. “Grant criteria has its limitations,” said Cooper. She added that the grant for the Lakeside Park renovations had to be a full public park.

Meetings: The Chelan Parks Board meets every third Thursday of the month at the Parks Office conference room at 5:15. The public is invited to attend.