Landing Park Dedication Culminates Years of Planning

Engraved charms will help support continued park development

LCN Photo above (left to right) Jake Youngren – City Public Works Director; Mike Steele – Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Director; Jessie Simmons – former HDCA Director; Erin McCardle – HDCA Director; and Mike Cooney – Chelan Mayor enjoying the park dedication.

Despite a forecast that called for clouds and the possibility of rain, Woodin Avenue Landing Park was dedicated under sunny skies Sunday afternoon. The dedication was the culmination of years of Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) committee planning, coupled with public/private support from the City of Chelan, Chelan County PUD and many others.

HDCA Board Member, Linda Van Lunsen (pictured below) was part of the original conversation which started in August, 2012. Nearly seven years later, she was delighted to be at the dedication of a dream fulfilled. “It is personally rewarding to see this project we kicked off with the community in 2012, driven by our Design Committee, and finally completed only through extensive collaboration with the City of Chelan,” said Van Lunsen  “We now have a beautiful new park amenity to add to our vibrant downtown.”

To underscore the long term commitment of the core group of community members to complete this project, Van Lunsen presented a timeline that included an important presentation to the City Council in July, 2014 and to the PUD in April, 2015.

Chelan Mayor Mike Cooney praised the cooperative efforts and the partnership between HDCA, the City and PUD that kept this project moving forward. “A key area of town was revitalized and offers a terrific new landing with great viewing and sitting areas,” he said.

HDCA had previously referenced this project as a way to beautify a neglected, but very visible corner of downtown Chelan while increasing walkability and boater access.

“The Woodin Avenue Landing is a beautiful example of the HDCA mission coming to life,” said Executive Director Erin McCardle. “The Historic Downtown Chelan Association is helping shape what the future of historic downtown looks and feels like while preserving our precious history.”

Sunday was also the kick off of a charm program that will help maintain this park and support expansion of additional pocket parks and projects throughout Chelan. McCardle was pleased with the immediate enthusiasm for the charm program, indicating that the concept will allow HDCA to continue working on exciting projects that keep downtown Chelan the heart of the Lake Chelan community.”

For as little as $100, you can create your own commemorative message on a charm that will hang along the walkway from the bridge down to the landing. Additional information and purchase options are available on the HDCA website.

For those who are curious about the “disco ball” atop a light stanchion replica – just know that the current post and ball is a temporary fill-in depicting the future site of an original light standard from the old bridge which will have donor acknowledgement of the individuals, agencies and businesses that helped make the project a reality. The permanent recognition sculpture will be placed after all the landscaping is complete.

LCN Photo below: Linda Van Lunsen and Erin McCardle celebrate the nearly-complete Woodin Avenue Landing Park