Lake Chelan Community Center expansion moves forward with $6M gift

CHELAN — A long-planned expansion at the Lake Chelan Community Center is moving forward after a major private donation completed the funding needed for a new gymnasium and performing arts center.

A $6 million gift from Tim and Kristy Turner, combined with earlier investments in the building shell and infrastructure, has allowed the project to move into its next phase. The expansion will include a gymnasium, a performing arts space, and an adjacent parking lot.

In recognition of the donation, the gymnasium will be named The Good Shepherd Gym, a choice the Turners say reflects values that extend beyond the building itself.

“We feel incredibly blessed to be part of something like this,” Tim Turner said. “Our faith has always been a guiding force in our lives, and the name ‘Good Shepherd’ reflects that. To us, it represents care, guidance, and a responsibility to look after one another. It’s our hope that this space will be a place where people feel welcomed, supported, and uplifted, and where the spirit of community truly comes to life.”

The addition is designed as a multi-use space that can support a range of activities at the same time, from athletics to performances and community events. Plans include wood flooring, retractable bleachers, multiple court configurations, locker rooms, and integrated lighting and audiovisual systems.

For a center that already hosts everything from daily programs to large gatherings, the expansion is intended to broaden what the space can offer.

Rimmer & Roeter has been selected as the construction partner for the project. Company co-founder Jamie Rimmer, a Chelan native and graduate of Chelan High School, said the project reflects a shared understanding of the community it will serve.

“From day one, this project has been about building something that truly serves the community,” Rimmer said. “We know this building, we know this valley, and we understand how important this space will be.”

Construction preparation is already underway, with an estimated timeline of about seven months from start to completion. During that time, the Community Center plans to remain open and accessible.

The expansion marks the next phase in the center’s ongoing development, adding space for recreation, events, and community use as demand continues to grow.

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