Lake Chelan Community Center nears completion of gym and performance space

CHELAN — A new parking lot is in place at the Lake Chelan Community Center, and work is nearing completion on a gymnasium and performing arts space that will give the center room for sports, live performances and larger community events.

The construction update comes as the center asks residents and businesses to help pay for day-to-day operations through a year-end fundraising campaign. The center said it plans to invite the public for a first look at the new space.

“Our community’s generosity is becoming something people can see, experience, and share,” said Kyla Allen, the center’s executive director.

The nonprofit Seven Acres Foundation owns and operates the 44,000-square-foot center at 103 Bighorn Way. Its banquet room and meeting spaces are already in use, and the center is encouraging families, businesses and community groups to consider renting them for celebrations, retreats and meetings in 2027. Rental fees help support operations.

Money raised through the year-end campaign will help maintain the building and support the staff work that goes into hosting events. The center accepts one-time and recurring donations, gifts of stock and grants from donor-advised funds. It also encourages donors interested in making eligible gifts from retirement accounts to contact the center.

Qualifying year-end gifts to the Seven Acres Foundation may reduce donors’ federal taxable income. Starting with the 2026 tax year, people who take the standard deduction may deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash gifts made directly to eligible charities by Dec. 31, or up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly, according to the IRS.

For donation and rental information, visit chelancommunity.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media