Leffler Field Fundraising Deadline Looms

Just one week left in the effort to keep the property public

by Dennis Rahm

Time is running out on an effort by the community of Manson to purchase Leffler Field in hopes of preserving the property for use as a park. The deadline to come up with the $1.3 million asking price is less than a week away and only about 50-percent of the funding is currently available.

The Manson Chamber of Commerce first approached the Leffler family about acquiring the nearly six-acres of land more than two years ago. In January of this year a letter of intent to buy the site was agreed upon and later it was determined that Manson Parks and Recreation would step in as the lead agency in the transaction.

While the land was initially appraised at the asking price, a later re-appraisal triggered by an environmental study of the property came in at $628,000. Manson Parks and Recreation Director Robin Pitman tells LakeChelanNow the environmental study revealed the presence of lead and arsenic contaminants on the property which resulted in a lower appraisal.

Parks Director Robin Pittman explains the funding gap

Car Shows are just one of the ways Leffler Field has been part of community events.

All parties agree the asking price of $1.3 million is fair, but as a public agency Manson Parks can contribute no more $628,000. In February Chelan County contributed an award of $500,000 towards the project and in late April the state legislature kicked in an additional $265,000, but with the spending restriction now placed on Manson Parks and Recreation the ability to finalize the purchase by the October 1^st deadline will require a public contribution of $672,000.

Pittman and others in the Manson community understand the purchase deadline is fast approaching. She goes on to say, “we’re thankful for this opportunity from the Leffler family and now we’re just hopeful of making a miracle happen”.

“This is a monumental time for us” – Robin Pittman