Parks Improvements

Chelan PUD Parks - Here for Everyone!
Parks Improvements 

We’ve got exciting news for our parks visitors! Starting in summer 2024, the PUD will make a series of improvements along the Apple Capital Loop Trail, between the railway area and Ninth Street. Additional improvements will be made at Walla Walla Point Park, including new features for recreational users. It’s all part of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community.

The work is being planned to minimize trail impacts for visitors – creating detours for short periods when needed. The improvements will be made in phases starting in June of 2024, with expected completion prior to Memorial Day 2025.

Apple Capital Loop Trail Improvements:

• Trails will split in several areas to allow separate “safe spaces” for various recreation, such as pedestrians and non-motorized bikes/vehicles. Other areas will see widened trails. These improvements will enhance trail use and safety in congested areas.
• A new splash pad – with a Columbia River steamboat theme – will be added to the area at the end of Fifth Street, directly south of the existing bathroom.
• An apple-themed children’s play area and bathroom will be constructed near the railway depot.
• Additional picnic seating and a new picnic shelter will be constructed.
• Part of the trail behind Riverside 9 apartments will be leveled and widened for speed control and safety. Access to the river in this location will also be improved.
• Some public art will be relocated to other sections of the park to fit with the new improvements. All art will remain onsite.
• Visitors will see landscaping improvements and a limited number of trees removed. Several trees, shrubs and flowers will be planted in the initial project phases.

Walla Walla Point Park Improvements:

• The PUD will add a new, full court basketball area for tournament play to replace the previous courts that were located in the tennis and pickleball area.
• Grading work will alleviate water runoff issues around the pickleball and tennis courts.
• A trail will be added with ADA access.
• The popular north end parking lot will be fortified, restored, and resurfaced with asphalt.
• Other additions will include a new drinking fountain for the basketball court and lighting conduit for potential additional lights in the future.

Look for more details on the timing of these improvements in the coming months!

In partnership with the City of Wenatchee, the PUD held a series of community outreach meetings to develop the Riverfront Park Master Plan in 2021. We heard you – and we’re now moving forward on many new features for visitors.