Chelan-area parks see shifting use as upgrades, demand continue

CHELAN — Use of Chelan-area parks continues to grow, with new improvements, shifting demand and future planning efforts all shaping how those spaces are used, according to an April 20 update from Chelan County Public Utility District staff.

The update highlighted recent upgrades at parks in Chelan, Chelan Falls and Beebe Bridge, along with increasing demand for access to both shoreline and event space.

At Beebe Bridge Park, staff are continuing a two-year transition to Washington State Parks, which now operates the campground and day-use areas while PUD crews continue to handle maintenance.

Reservations under the state system opened March 4, and staff reported strong demand, with 872 unique reservations made within the first 30 minutes.

At the same time, commissioners noted that the shift to a fee-based system at Beebe has changed how some residents use nearby parks.

“There’s a consequence to our actions, and we went from a non-paying park for shelter for residents … to a state-run, which is a cost now,” Commissioner Carnan Bergren said.

Bergren added that the change has shifted use toward nearby parks such as Chelan Falls and Powerhouse Park, where shelters remain free to reserve.

Staff confirmed that those areas are seeing increased activity, particularly during the summer months.

At Chelan Falls Powerhouse Park, recent improvements include installation of a 50-amp electrical service to support food vendors and special events, along with the addition of a new flagpole expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

At Chelan Riverwalk Park, a larger project is planned to improve usability of the space. The PUD has partnered with the City of Chelan on a $750,000 lift station project that will move infrastructure underground and open more of the park to public use. Construction is expected to begin this fall and continue into early 2027.

Staff also said water access remains a key issue at Riverwalk, where visitors often climb over rocks or railings to reach the river in areas without designated entry points.

“We see folks swimming and getting down their paddleboards and their kayaks,” Parks and Lands Manager Ryan Baker said.

Those patterns are helping guide where future access improvements may be considered, including potential additions similar to existing access points elsewhere in the park.

Across the Chelan system, parks are also serving as major gathering places for events, from large community celebrations to smaller local activities. Increased demand for vendor access has led to additional electrical upgrades to support those uses.

Looking ahead, the PUD plans to launch a Lake Chelan Recreation Use and Needs Study in 2027, with community outreach and data collection continuing into 2028. The study is intended to guide future decisions on park improvements, amenities and long-term planning.

Staff said the goal is to better understand how parks are being used today and how that use may continue to evolve.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media