Opportunity for Manson Parks and Manson School District to breathe new life into Leffler Field Acquisition

Information released

The Manson Community’s long running effort to secure a parcel of land, commonly known as Leffler Field, for public use is a step closer to occurring. The five acre (4.97) parcel is located in the center of downtown Manson.

On November 26, a vacant land purchase and sale agreement was completed between the Estate of Edna R. Leffler and two buyers, the Manson Park and Recreation District and the Manson School District. The purchase price is $1.3 million. The agreement includes grant funding awarded to Manson Park and Recreation from both Chelan County and The State of Washington. Chelan County has designated $500,000 in funding from their Rural Counties Economic Fund. The Washington State Legislature has appropriated $250,000 towards the acquisition from its 2019-20 Capital Budget. The remaining $550,000 will be financed by Manson School District.

The Manson Park and Recreation District Board of Commissioners and the Manson School District School Board must each approve the purchase as a condition of the agreement during an agreed upon feasibility period. Potential joint ownership of the property would include development of an inter-local agreement outlining what each entity would be responsible for and a decision making process for use of the property. Potential uses of the property could be athletic fields, a performance venue (an amphitheater), or even a community center. Depending on the selected use of the former orchard property, remediation of the soil will be a factor to insure safe use. Both public boards are committed to involving the greater community in a future design and use process.

December Opportunities for the Manson community to give input to both Boards on the purchase.

  • Thursday, December 12 at 5:00PM at the Manson Parks Building: a joint meeting of the Manson Park and Recreation Board and the Manson School Board will be held with an opportunity for public comment.
  • Thursday, December 19th at 5:00PM in the Manson Elementary Library: the Manson School Board will offer a second opportunity for public comment at their regular December board meeting.
  • Written comments may be shared by:
    • Mail
      • Must include a full name and phone number to verify authenticity
        • Manson Park and Recreation District – PO Box 590, Manson, WA 98831
        • Manson School District – PO Box A, Manson, WA 98831
      • Email

LakeChelanNow has covered the story of Leffler Field as it unfolded for over a year. Follow the community triumphs and challenges through the LCN archives.

12-3-18: Community of Manson wants to buy Leffler Field

12-6-18: Making Waves – Manson’s Field of Dreams

2-5-19: Purchase of Leffler Field gets County Funding Support

2-7-19: Making Waves – Leffler Field Update

7-9-19: Manson Parks Board holds Executive Session to discuss Leffler Field

8-22-19: Manson Parks Board Schedules Special Meeting

9-24-19: Leffler Field Fundraising Deadline Looms

10-2-19: Community Effort to Purchase Leffler Field Falls Short

12-10-19: Purchase Agreement Breathes New Life into Leffler Field Acquisition