Manson Park system is a step closer to getting just under a half acre larger after Park Board action Friday
By Steve Byquist
The Manson Park commissioners voted to move forward with a proposal to make an offer on land commonly know as “Ernie’s” service station. It’s a .44 acre parcel in downtown Manson that is adjacent to Manson Bay Park.
The total purchase price could be close to $900,000 with the majority of the funding involving a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant with local match provided by a group of private unidentified individuals, The Port of Chelan County, and the Park. The total price would include purchase and cost of building demolition.
Park Board members were guided through a rather complex process by their consultant Kara Raftery of Pacific Engineering. The Board first approved an updated Park Comprehensive Plan which needs to be in place before a formal grant request is submitted.
Next steps will be the completion of the “Manson Bay Acquisition” grant proposal. That proposal goes to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. (RCO)
At the same time the Park Consultant will be working with the local group of private individuals known as “Friends of Manson Parks,” along with the Port of Chelan County, and Manson Park funds to attempt to tie up the property until outcome of the grant application is known. Toward that end the Park Board allocated $25,000 from their $130,000 reserve fund.
This process is expected to take several months before it’s known if the Manson Park District is successful in the grant application and to determine if the local match is available. The grant application to the RCO indicates an anticipated purchase date of July 2019 if the grant request is successful in competition with other statewide requests.
