Manson's Old Swim Hole project faces $375,000 funding gap ahead of Nov. 15 deadline

MANSON — After more than a decade of planning and repeated efforts to secure construction funding, the Manson Park and Recreation District faces a Nov. 15 deadline to close a $375,000 funding gap for the Old Swim Hole restoration project or risk losing grant funding and delaying construction for several more years.

The district has secured approximately $1.8 million for the project, which would restore public swimming access along Lake Chelan in downtown Manson. However, construction bids have continued to exceed available funding despite efforts to reduce costs and secure additional money.

The latest shortfall represents a significant reduction from the approximately $754,000 gap identified when the district opened its first round of construction bids in December 2025.

Following those bids, the district worked with a consultant to revise the project and reduce construction costs while pursuing additional funding. The project went out to bid again in September, but bids opened Oct. 6 revealed that another $375,000 would be needed to proceed, according to an Oct. 15 update from district Director Robin Pittman published in the Manson Tribune.

According to Manson Community Council member René Commons, failure to close the gap by Nov. 15 could require the district to return secured funding and potentially push the project back until 2028 or 2029.

The district has spent years moving the project through design, engineering, permitting and other requirements. The restoration would replace deteriorating waterfront infrastructure with a reconstructed swimming area and improved public access.

Plans include a stepped seawall, beach area, accessible ramps, stairs, shoreline stabilization and a dock for nonmotorized watercraft. The project would also add a pedestrian boardwalk connecting the Old Swim Hole with neighboring Manson Bay Park, along with pathways, landscaping and parking improvements.

If the remaining funding can be secured, the project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2027, according to Pittman's October update.

In January, Pittman told Ward Media that the project had reached a critical stage after years of preparation, only to encounter construction bids substantially higher than the engineer's estimate.

“We were so excited. We were about ready to break ground, basically. I could taste it,” Pittman said at the time.

Pittman said the district had repeatedly updated construction estimates, including shortly before the December bid opening, but the final numbers still exceeded available funding.

“This is an oddball project,” she said. “The engineer’s estimate was wrong.”

The district's funding package has included a $500,000 contribution from Chelan County PUD through its public power benefit program. The contribution was intended to help connect improvements between district-owned parkland and a small piece of PUD property.

The project also received funding through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. In January, Pittman said approximately $121,000 of a $500,000 state grant had already been spent on planning, design and permitting, leaving about $379,000 potentially at risk if the district could not meet grant requirements.

At the time, Pittman said the district had already received extensions and might not qualify for another.

The district also pursued a state appropriation request with Rep. Mike Steele and considered alternative grant programs that could provide funding on a longer timeline.

Pittman emphasized in January that the funding problems did not mean the project had been abandoned.

“This does not mean the project’s done,” Pittman said. “This is a delay. We are still moving forward.”

Now, with another round of bidding completed and the funding gap reduced, community members are seeking broader support to keep the project on schedule.

Commons, a full-time Manson resident who serves on the Manson Community Council, has called for greater regional awareness of the funding deadline and the challenges facing volunteer-driven community projects.

In a letter to Ward Media, Commons described the difficulties of advancing public improvements in an unincorporated community where volunteers frequently handle planning, coordination and funding efforts without dedicated administrative staff or professional grant writers.

Commons said the Old Swim Hole restoration represents years of work by the parks district and community members.

"We have spent years getting this far. Now we have weeks to bring the funding together and keep the project moving forward," Commons wrote.

The Old Swim Hole sits along Manson Boulevard adjacent to Manson Bay Park. The site once featured docks, diving boards and a designated swimming area, but much of that infrastructure was removed decades ago.

In January, Pittman described the remaining shoreline as a deteriorating seawall and said the district's goal was to restore the area as a modern public swimming facility.

The proposed improvements would provide additional shoreline access for residents and visitors, including people with mobility limitations.

"For me, this project is about more than restoring a swimming hole. It’s about equitable access to Lake Chelan and ensuring our public waterfront remains a place where everyone can enjoy the lake, regardless of age, ability, or access to private waterfront property," Commons wrote.

In her October update, Pittman said the district was continuing to explore contributions, partnerships and potential cost-saving measures to address the remaining shortfall.

Commons hopes additional attention throughout North Central Washington will help reach individuals, organizations and businesses that may be able to assist.

The Manson Park and Recreation District can be reached at 509-687-9635 for information about the project and potential contributions.