Community gathers to discuss potential park at Peshastin Mill Site

PESHASTIN – Peshastin residents gave their input for a new community park during a workshop on Jan. 30. The meeting was hosted by the Peshastin Community Council, Chelan County Department of Natural Resources, and SCJ Alliance, a consulting agency.

In Aug. 2023, Natural Resources received a $35,000 grant to partner with the community and seek consultation from SCJ Alliance to determine the feasibility and vision of a potential park. 

The county and community are considering the 65 acres of land at the former Peshastin Mill Site. The acreage is privately owned by Bill Goebel, who is currently allowing public use of the area and is open to the establishment of a park. 

The community workshop was the first step to deciding what should be considered during the feasibility study and not to make any concrete decisions.

“This is, as we said, a feasibility study. Is this a practical thing to do? Is it something that people are really interested in? What would they like to see? So, I'm really pleased to see as many people as there are here tonight. It's a pretty good turnout, and so I think we'll get some pretty good opinions on this,” said Community Councilmember Steve Keene.

SCJ Alliance presented three display options of low, medium, or high-impact park designs. Each display was accompanied by optional amenities such as restrooms and benches or uses such as trails, playgrounds, and fields. Residents were given a written survey to complete as well as stickers to select desired amenities and uses on the board of their preferred impact level.

“Right now, we're in this public engagement process. Our plan is to bring an update back to the Peshastin Community Council at the regular February meeting…We'll provide a summary report of the feedback. We'll probably make some recommendations on elements that we could progress,” said Brandon Mauseth of SCJ Alliance.

A majority of stickers landed on low to medium displays, with very few votes for a high-impact design. Many residents were in favor of trash collection, dog waste stations, trails, and habitat restoration. 

“The Community Council is in favor of the minimalist [design], that’s pretty much just trails and restoration of natural vegetation and whatnot. They’re not interested in ballparks or stuff like that at all. I think you'll find that most people here probably feel the same way because they like it a lot the way it is right now, being able to walk down there pretty much anywhere and take the dogs or whatnot, and it’s such a  beautiful spot,” said Keene.

According to Mauseth, SCJ Alliance is aiming to come up with a preferred plan by the end of April or the beginning of May but predicts a later date will be more likely.

“Since we've gotten so much attention and interest in the project, I'm expecting that might get pushed, just so we can be considerate of what the community wants and what the county and the council needs,” said Mauseth.

Once the community decides on the preferred vision of the site, the next steps will be taken to secure further funding to plan and execute the project.

“It usually takes, like for a full park planning exercise, a couple of years and a lot more money. We don't have any identified money right now, but if the council wanted to move forward with the next step, we're happy to participate. So, it's really up to them. What do they want to do next?” said Mike Kaputa, Director of Natural Resources.

Peshastin Community Council will meet next at the Peshastin Memorial Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media