Old Mill Bay Boat Launch Closure begins Next Week

Chelan County PUD Explored Phased Closure Options

By Dennis Rahm

Local boaters are reminded that a seven-week closure of the popular Old Mill Bay boat launching facility will begin on Monday, April 2. The $280,000 project will consist of repaving the parking lot, new concrete curbs, striping, storm drainage inspection and tree removal.

18 maple trees have already been removed as part of the process and once the paving work is done, they will be replaced by a tree variety better suited to the site. The facility is owned by Chelan County PUD and operated by Manson Parks and Recreation.

Robin Pittman, Manson Parks (L) and Tyler Sellers, PUD – discuss the boat ramp closure

PUD Construction Manager Tyler Sellers tells LakeChelanNow that options to keeping the launch open during construction were fully explored, but when everything was examined it became clear a complete closure was the best choice when taking into account public safety and cost effectiveness.

No matter which option was chosen, at some point the launch would need to be closed for a period of time and Sellers says it was determined it makes more sense to do the work all at once as opposed to a phased approach.

Click below for comments by Tyler Sellers, Chelan County PUD.

Both the PUD and Manson Parks have heard from some residents, especially fishermen, who aren’t happy with the several weeks closure. One of those is local fishing guide Jeff Witkowski of Darrell and Dad’s Fishing Guide Service in Manson. He would have preferred a partial closure so boaters could still have at least limited access.

Local Fishing Guide, Jeff Witkowski, expresses concern about closure.

Fishing Guide Jeff Witkowski indicated the closure will be an inconvenience to his customers.

Manson Park and Recreation District Director Robin Pittman tells LakeChelanNow that she definitely has heard from some angry boaters, but for the most part the public has been understanding.

Robin Pittman, Manson Parks Director, appreciates the community’s patience and understanding.

The closure of the Old Mill Bay boat launch is scheduled April 2-May 18. The 20-acre facility is located two miles east of Manson off Highway 150 and offers a four-lane launch, marine dump station, boat trailer parking, restroom facilities and a picnic area.

During the construction period, boaters wanting to access the waters of Lake Chelan can use alternate launch facilities at Manson Bay and in Chelan at Lakeshore Marina at the City Park and also at Riverwalk Park.