An update on exciting trail construction and friendly reminder about key park rules

information released

As summer approaches, the City of Chelan wants to remind residents and visitors of important park rules that ensure a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment. These rules apply to all city parks, including popular destinations like Don Morse Park and Lakeside Park, helping to protect natural spaces while enhancing the visitor experience.

With the 2025 summer season quickly approaching, the City is committed to the promotion and enforcement of these regulations and want to make sure guests of the parks “know before they go” so they can show up ready to enjoy the park amenities.

Key Park Rules:

  • Park Hours: Open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM unless otherwise stated.
  • Day Camping Restrictions: Large tents or enclosures are not allowed—only shade structures (10’x10’ max, no bottoms, with no more than two sides) are permitted.
  • BBQ & Cooking: Fires are only allowed in designated city-provided charcoal BBQs—personal grills, BBQs, and fire pits are not permitted.
  • Alcohol-Free Parks: Alcohol is not allowed in city parks, with exceptions only for designated campsites at Lakeshore RV Park and at the Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Course.
  • Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in Don Morse Park, Lakeside Park, or other city parks from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. However, leashed dogs are welcome year-round at Chelan County PUD’s Riverwalk Park.

“These updates help maintain a welcoming and enjoyable experience at Don Morse Park and Lakeside Park, two of Chelan’s most visited outdoor spaces,” said Parks Director Paul Horne. “By keeping our parks clean, safe, and family-friendly, we’re ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy everything Chelan has to offer.”

The City will partner with the Chelan County Sheriff and private security to expand the presence of enforcement officers in the City parks through increased foot and marine patrols. New signage will highlight important park regulations that have recently been updated by Chelan City Council after months of public engagement and partnerships with local community groups.

Additionally, this summer, construction will begin on an exciting 1.05-mile shared-use path linking Downtown Chelan to the Lakeside Neighborhood at Water Street. The Lakeside Trail project will enhance the area with landscaping, stormwater management, improved public transit areas, and safer pedestrian crossings at key intersections.

Downtown, upgrades will also take place to critical water and sewer systems to address aging infrastructure and increase capacity. During construction, visitors may experience road work or traffic delays on Highway 97A for the Lakeside Trail and Columbia Ave for downtown water and sewer.

To stay informed about updates and potential impacts, visit our website or text “ChelanSummer” to 38276 for real-time notifications from the City of Chelan.

About the City of Chelan: Chelan is a rural lakeside community surrounded by pristine natural beauty where generations of visitors and residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life.