Nestled between Campbell’s Resort and the Old Bridge was a hidden gem – public access to Lake Chelan, right off Chelan’s Main Street. Campbell’s Resort is one of the oldest and most recognizable establishments in town and the Old Bridge, another local icon, leads right to its door. This makes the location between them exceptional. And yet, underutilized.

The Woodin Avenue Landing Park is the first capital project taken on by the Historic Downtown Chelan Association. The goal of the park project was to activate this special but neglected area and in doing so create another space that connects two of Chelan’s greatest assets – its lake and its historic downtown district. In 2015, the space was unmaintained asphalt – a dumping ground for old bike racks that many assumed was part of the Campbell’s Resort private property. At least those that even noticed it hidden behind tall shrubbery. Despite its dock, the plot was almost never used by the public to launch boats or access the lake.

The HDCA Design Committee began developing plans and, with an estimated price tag of $120,000, fundraising efforts quickly followed. The vision for the park galvanized donors and within a year $50,000 had been raised. Met by a City contribution of $75,000, work began.

But then the project hit a snag. A few snags. First the slope from rock to dock turned out to be out of compliance with ADA specifications, the aging retaining wall was found to be unsound, and the new bids that were needed to address these issues came back 3x the original! The HDCA Board regrouped and approached their partners. With support from the Mayor and a strong case for the project’s impact on Chelan’s local and visitor experience, the County PUD was eager to support the new retaining wall and the City agreed to contribute additional funding.

The Woodin Avenue Landing Project, completed in May 2019, has effectively turned an unused, unsightly area of downtown into a beautiful park with highly sought-after public access to the lake. Moreover, it has made downtown Chelan a more welcoming, walkable place for all to enjoy.