Leavenworth Adventure Park nears Hearing Examiner date with revised requests

LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth Adventure Park’s (LAP) request to amend its conditional use permit will be considered by a hearing examiner on Mar. 29. 

A revised version of the original submission given to the city on Dec. 12 will be under consideration at the hearing. The revised request, submitted on Jan. 18, still asks for release from the requirement of ticketed parking for patrons and employees. However, it includes changes to its original requests regarding hours of operation, music, and a noise study obligation.

The LAP requested to operate until 10 p.m. in its original letter, but revised the request to only operate the indoor space for private and community events until 10 p.m.. It would continue to cease outdoor operations at its current 8 p.m. curfew.

In terms of music, the LAP originally requested permission to offer live, non-amplified music outside, as well as live, amplified music inside during operating hours. The revised request emphasized that the live outdoor music would be acoustic, such as Alphorns, and would end at 8 p.m., while indoor music would end at 10 p.m.. The LAP currently plays amplified recorded music both inside and outside, as permitted by Leavenworth Administrative Code, according to the letter.

The LAP originally asked to be released from its obligation to perform a noise study, having received only two complaints prior to December, one of which was traced to a nearby pool. However, of the roughly 200 letters from the public submitted in response to the original amendment request, about 60 of them specifically cited screaming as having the largest negative impact on their lives. 

The LAP moved forward with a noise study in late January. Greenbusch Group, Inc., who was contracted to perform the study, found that the park did not exceed Leavenworth Municipal Code sound limits at the measurement locations of the intersection of Mill Street and West Whitman Street, as well as Scholze Street.

“The Park may have been audible at the measurement locations at times but through review of the audio files and information gathered during site visits, it is not believed that the Park is a dominant noise source at the measurement locations,” wrote Drew Savas, Greenbusch Group Noise and Vibration Consultant, in the study’s conclusion.

While a majority of the letters opposed all of the requested amendments, those who were open to changes such as music and parking still expressed a need for the 8 p.m. outdoor curfew. Only a handful of the letters expressed support for the park and its requests.

“We received so few complaints during operations, and so I guess I was a little surprised by that. But I listened, you know, and we revised our request according to the comments, to do something that I think is very fair,” said Sutherland.

A letter from Residents Coalition of Chelan County (RC3), who have opposed the park since its inception, was of the 200 original submissions. RC3 opposes any amendments, despite the LAP’s revisions, citing the large percentage of the public experiencing a negative impact from screaming.

"These requirements were meant to apply for the life of the project, yet 6 months after opening, the owners of LAP are requesting modifications that reduce the protections for surrounding residential neighborhoods,” said Kirvil Skinnarland, RC3 President, in an email to Ward Media.

While many letters shared the sentiment that LAP was asking for amendments too soon, Sutherland saw otherwise.

“Many people thought we were asking too quickly, but I don't agree with that, because we've been through the busiest months of the year already, and we kind of knew how business was flowing,” said Sutherland.

The RC3 said they plan to attend and provide written comments at the public hearing, requesting the hearing examiner “deny any modifications to the permit which will reduce the protections for residents living near the coaster.”

The hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on Mar. 29 in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 700 US Hwy 2, with the option to attend via Zoom. Questions may be directed to Community Development Director Lilith Vespier, (509) 548-5275 or lvespier@cityofleavenworth.com. Information and documents related to the hearing can be found at cityofleavenworth.org.

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