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 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.
All Things Lake Chelan 