OLYMPIA – April 19, 2016 – The Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) and the Washington State Parks and Recreation and Commission invite the public to an open house to celebrate new deluxe cabins and other improvements at Lincoln Rock State Park.
The open house is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Lincoln Rock State Park, 13253 SR 2 E., East Wenatchee. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/PxjSDBiAnjz) A short program starts at 3 p.m., followed by refreshments, cabin tours and self-guided strolls on the interpretive trail. Chelan County residents who complete a short survey will be eligible to win a gift basket featuring a one-night’s stay in a new cabin. A Discover Pass or PUD parking pass will not be needed to attend the open house. The passes are needed if visitors stay in the park after 4:30 p.m.
Earlier this year, construction was completed on eight new deluxe cabins, along with the expansion of a group camping area and a new interpretive trail. The improvements are part of Chelan PUD’s 2009 federal license to operate Rocky Reach Dam. Chelan PUD agreed to about $15 million in recreation projects for community and visitor access to the Columbia River and Rocky Reach Reservoir.
The new and expanded facilities at Lincoln Rock State Park were $5.1 million of the total recreational commitment. Chelan PUD built and owns the park, which is operated by State Parks.
“Collaboration is the key to completing a successful project,” said Chelan PUD Parks Manager Ray Heit. “The community and visitors have benefited for more than 30-years from the great working relationship we have with State Parks. Lincoln Rock, along with Daroga and Wenatchee Confluence, are some of the most popular parks operated by the state. They also are part of the wonderful benefits brought to our customer-owners and thousands of other visitors because of clean, renewable hydropower.”
“The relationship Washington State Parks has with the Chelan County PUD is the perfect example of two public entities working together to provide excellent recreational opportunities for visitors abroad as well as the local communities,” said Ryan Layton, State Parks Eastern Region manager. “With the completion of projects from the past and the one we are highlighting during this event, I am very excited and looking forward to seeing what we are able to accomplish in the future together”
Each deluxe cabin is 16-by-25 feet and equipped with a bunk bed that sleeps three, a queen-size futon, three small end tables, a four-person dining table with chairs, a kitchenette with microwave and sink, counter space with cupboards and a bathroom with shower. The cabins also have on-demand hot water, a ceiling fan with lights, heat and air-conditioning. Outside the cabins are a fire pit, picnic table, barbecue brazier, a six-foot covered porch and a buffer of irrigated, maintained grass turf. The new cabin loop offers direct access to a new interpretive trail with views of the Eastbank Fish Hatchery and a riverfront, shoreline interpretive overlook of the Rocky Reach Dam.
The cabins are available May 15 through September 30, but they are booking fast. Visitors are advised to reserve a cabin as soon as possible through the Washington State Parks online reservation system at https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ or by calling toll free 888-CAMPOUT (888) 226-7688. For more information about Lincoln Rock State Park, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/541/Lincoln-Rock
Information about all Chelan PUD parks is at http://www.chelanpud.org/parks-and-recreation.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Suzanne Hartman, Chelan County PUD, (509) 661-8291
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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