$500,000 is coming from Distressed Counties Fund
by Dennis Rahm
It came as welcome news to the Manson Chamber of Commerce that a $500-thousand request to Chelan County to aid in the purchase of Leffler Field has been approved. County Commissioners on Monday formally approved the funding request which will cover more than a third of the $1.3 million purchase price for the land which is located off Highway 150 and Wapato Point Parkway. The monies from Chelan County are from the Distressed Counties Fund.
Manson Chamber President Jeff Conwell says he’s absolutely overjoyed and elated by the positive response of the commissioners saying, “this puts us so much farther down the road to completing the property purchase”. The site, just under six acres in size, will be set aside for use as a park with Conwell referring to it as the last open space property in downtown Manson.
Once acquired, the property will be turned over to the Manson Parks Department for management and maintenance. The chamber and Parks Department has also made a $500-thouand request from the Washington State Ways and Means Committee. Back in December of 2018, when the Manson Chamber first announced a plan to buy the property, Conwell called the site a blank canvas that would give Manson the opportunity to figure out what it wants as a community.
Some suggested uses for Leffler Park include a splash pad, ice rink, concert venue, and continued use as a venue for local events. In addition to the pending funding request from the State, Conwell indicates the Chamber will soon be focusing on local fund-raising efforts. The community has until May 31 of this year to complete the purchase.
