By Richard Uhlhorn
Manson Parks and Manson School District held a public meeting on Monday, May 13, in Manson’s Elementary School Library to gather input towards determining the top project priorities for Leffler Field. The Parks department and school district are joint owners of the property.
There were approximately 20 people in attendance.
In 2021 the Parks District received a State $574,000 and is working with the School District to better position themselves to get more grants. “We want the best use for our community,” said Parks Director Robin Pittman.
In 2022, they received an Ecology grant for $200,000 to remedy the lead/arsenic in the soils on the old orchard land. “We are held responsible for public use and want to make sure the soil is healthy.”
Eric Maise, an engineer with Aspect Consulting stated that they conducted a sampling of the property and found that the lead/arsenic contamination of the soil extended on average down to four feet.
Using the Ecology cookbook, there are four remedies available including:
- Total Excavation – “This is very expensive.”
- Soil mixing – “This is a potential solution.”
- Consolidation and Capping – This the proposed remedy using Ecology guidelines where a barrier fabric would be laid down with 6 inches of clean material covering the ground in non-used areas and 12 inches of material covering the playground and ballfields. That will keep the costs down and address human health issues. “That is a snapshot of the environmental steps,” said Maise.
Pittman said that mailers will be mailed out to every resident in Manson asking what everyone wants to see. “There is no timeline or funding right now. We will be applying for grants,” said Pittman.
Ryan Browniee, a civil engineer with Pacific Engineering said, “It’s (lead/arsenic remedy) not something we have funding for. It is a long term project.”
The overall plan for Leffler Field is a LINK Park and Ride with parking and a year-round restroom. In addition the school district and parks department are planning, based on the community’s input the following amenities have been proposed:
- Pickleball courts
- Playground
- Community Garden
- Outdoor Exercise Equipment
- Open Green Space
- Volleyball courts and
- Year-round restrooms
Doug England asked how the area would be monitored? Pittman replied that there have been no discussions on that issue yet, but added that in the summertime months there would be “big time security.”
The primary priority now is to find funding to move ahead with the community’s desired outcome.
All Things Lake Chelan 