Project will result in temporary closures of the Riverwalk Trail
information released, photo courtesy of Jerry Isenhart
Chelan PUD plans to restore the shoreline and improve waterfront access points at Riverwalk Park, starting March 4.
The work spans three areas:
- Near the sewer lift station between W. Okanogan Ave. and W. Wooden Ave.
- From the wooden viewing area at S. 1st St. and W. Okanogan Ave to the boardwalk west of Webster Ave.
- Across the parking lot at E. Farnham Ave.
Park visitors can expect temporary closures of Riverwalk Trail during construction. The work is expected to wrap up in late April depending on conditions.
The project will help stabilize about 520 feet of riverbank with boulders, river cobble, native trees and shrubs, and protect the area from further erosion. Erosion is gradual washing-away of the shore that can be caused by wind, reservoir fluctuations, boat wakes close to shore, or human activity, such as unauthorized trails or throwing rocks from the shore.
“On the south shore especially, the bank has receded close to 20 feet, and that’s valuable park land we will never get back,” Chelan PUD Parks Manager Ryan Baker said. “We’re really excited to start this project.”
Park improvements include safe, improved waterfront access for SUPs, canoes and kayaks, as well as new picnic tables and benches. Crews plan to build a flat-rock staircase feature leading into the water near the wooden viewing area at the end of First Street.
After the work is finished, crews will install split-rail fencing to protect the newly rehabilitated shoreline from further erosion, encourage native plantings to establish, and encourage visitors to use the improved waterfront access points.
“We want to be good stewards of Riverwalk Park, and we’ll try to keep any short-term impacts of this work to a minimum,” Baker said. “This is a well-loved park, and we want to thank the community for their patience.”
For additional information about Chelan PUD, visit their website.
