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Oregon Heritage Commission grants awarded for history projects throughout the state - 12/06/23

SALEM, Oregon –

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $381,262 in grants to 33 organizations throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation and access, research, oral history, exhibits, and performance projects. Award amounts ranged $1,000 - $20,000.

Funded projects:

  • Albany Regional Museum, in Albany, digitize and make accessible the photo, postcard and negative collection.
  • Bend Park and Recreation District, in Bend, for an exhibit at the Hollinshead-Matson site.
  • Benton County to hold an event at Fort Hoskins and repair the chimney of the Commander’s House.
  • Big Butte Historical Society, in Butte Falls, to update the Butte Falls Discovery Loop.
  • Chetco Community Public Library, in Brookings, to digitize historic issues of the Brookings Harbor Pilot and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
  • The City of Dayton, in Yamhill County, to digitize historic issues of the Dayton Oregon newspapers and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
  • The City of Lowell, in Lane County, to create a digital archive of materials related to the history of Lowell and surrounding areas.
  • Crater Rock Museum, in Central Point, to rehouse the lithic artifacts collection.
  • Deschutes County Historical Society, in Bend, to complete priority collection data clean-up. 
  • Friends of Kam Wah Chung, in John Day, to translation of collection materials. 
  • Gresham Historical Society, in Gresham, to develop and promote a local history podcast.
  • Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, in Portland, to develop an audio tour and accompanying materials. 
  • High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to develop content and strategies for connecting people to the experiences and stories of Black Oregonians. 
  • Japanese American Museum of Oregon, in Portland, to develop a set of traveling trunks about Japanese American history, to be available throughout the state.
  • Lake Oswego Preservation Society, in Lake Oswego, transcribe and make accessible records of the Oregon Iron & Steel Company. 
  • Linfield University, in McMinnville, to create an exhibit at the Portland campus about Emily L. Loveridge, who founded and led the first nursing school in the.
  • Lone Fir Cemetery Foundation, in Portland, to support archaeological work to uncover the remains of the Chinese alter at Lone Fir Cemetery.
  • Mark Prairie Historical Society, in Canby, to complete interior restoration of the Mark Prairie School building.
  • Oregon Aviation Historical Society, in Cottage Grove, to collect oral histories of Oregon woman aviators.
  • Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, in Portland, to install interpretation at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. 
  • Oregon State Grange, in Salem, to preserve, digitize and make accessible the historic documents of the Oregon State Grange.
  • Oregon State University, Anthropology Department, in Corvallis, to 3D scan historic buildings at Silver Falls State Park. 
  • Portland Chinatown History Foundation to repair the historic dragon sculpture and hold the Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration. 
  • Powerland Heritage Park, in Brooks, to repair the boiler of the steam powered sawmill.
  • RASIKA Society for Arts of India, in Portland, to collect oral histories exploring the agency of South Asians who immigrated to Oregon, following the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, and share them through a multimedia performance.
  • Southern Oregon Historical Society, in Medford, to digitize over 6,000 glass plate negatives of photographer Peter Britt. 
  • The Eugene Debbs Potts Foundation, in Josephine County, to improve access and increase displays at the museum.
  • The Immigrant Story, in Hillsboro, to present To Tell the World, a public arts program.
  • Vanport Mosaic, in Portland, to develop an audio walking tour series and complete a pilot tour about Portland’s Black Panther Party. 
  • Vanport Placemaking Project, in Portland, to develop audio accessible content for interpretation at the Vanport site.
  • Weston Area Development Association to install a Weston history exhibit at a local restaurant. 
  • Willamette Heritage Center, in Salem, to complete preservation assessments on historic buildings at the site.

This competitive grant program is for qualifying organizations, and is offered once per biennium for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage. It is a program of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. 

The Commission is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Oregon Heritage Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

 

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Campsite at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Campsite at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Visitors can book same-day online reservations statewide starting in 2024 (Photo) - 12/05/23

SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024. 

Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds. 

“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.

When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.

The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.   

“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024:

  • Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes. 
  • All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  • Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
  • Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations. 

If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.

Committee to review grant applications for recreation projects Dec. 14 - 12/01/23

SALEM, Oregon— The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to review grant applications 10 a.m. to noon. Dec. 14 on Zoom. 

Applicants to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating county-run camping facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval. 

A schedule with applicants and their specific presentation times will be posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx the week of Dec. 4. A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted on the site at that time.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org

Updates to park exclusion rules open for additional public comment - 12/01/23

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking additional public comments on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020, 736-021-0040). 

The proposed rules opened for public comment Oct. 2, 2023 and reflected changes recommended by the Rule Advisory Committee, a group formed by OPRD that included representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts. The first public comment period closed Nov. 3, 2023. 

After reviewing public comments, the agency decided that an update is needed to clarify the exclusion decision-making process to include exclusion conditions and timeline. This means that an additional round of public comment is required before adopting the updates to the rule.

All of the proposed updates clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources. The proposed updates provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how appeals will be processed.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. January 4, 2024. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

Seeking additional comment on marine plant, seaweed collection rules updates - 12/01/23

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting additional public comments through Jan. 4 on proposed updates to rules about the collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine reserves and marine protected areas (OAR 736-021-0090).

The department’s proposed rule changes will allow for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine protected areas if allowed under management plans for the area: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx. Updates to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan earlier this year changed regulations and management practices in certain protected areas. 

OPRD’s proposed rules would also eliminate outdated requirements for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon to seek a permit before collecting marine plants along the ocean shore. 

In October, the agency took public comment on proposed language for this rule. Based on comments received, the agency is updating proposed language to clarify that collection of material is only allowed for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon or under management agreements between a tribe and the department.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting comments on the proposed rule changes until 5 p.m. Jan. 4, 2024. Public comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final proposed amended rule to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration at its Feb. 2024 business meeting.

The full text of the proposed amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-021-0090 is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

12-month annual parking permit
12-month annual parking permit
Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December (Photo) - 11/28/23

Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.

The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.

Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends' group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Attached Media Files: 12-month annual parking permit
Public hearing about application on erosion control measure in Cannon Beach Dec. 12 - 11/22/23

Updated to include date: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a virtual public hearing 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12 about an Ocean Shore Alteration Application. 

The permit application 3046 seeks to construct a 60-foot-long riprap revetment, which is an erosion control measure made of rocks placed on a slope for protection. The proposed location is on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area in Cannon Beach west of 3216 Pacific Avenue. 

There were more than 10 requests for a hearing during the public comment period that ended Nov. 3, which means a public hearing is required under ORS 390.650(3). This hearing is an information-gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear directly from the public on the submitted application materials. 

The meeting will include an introduction by staff, an overview of the submitted proposal by the applicant and public testimony.  The submitted materials for application 3046, can be viewed under the heading of “Pending Applications” at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/per-ocean-shore.aspx

Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing can register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7cezthdeTMSOqUJAtL9qdg. If you need help signing up, contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786 or allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by noon Dec. 11. 

If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. Dec. 7.​

Following the hearing, registered attendees may provide written testimony by 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Submit by sending to: 

OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 

P.O. Box 2139 

Waldport, OR 97394 

Within 45-days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public notice and this hearing.

Contact Ocean Shore Permit Coordinator, Tyler Blanchette 503-510-6741, Tyler.Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov, for questions about the permit application process.

West Mayer State Park to close for park improvements through next spring - 11/21/23

SALEM, Ore— A construction project at West Mayer State Park near The Dalles will replace the boat ramp, expand and improve vehicle parking, and replace the vault restroom. The park will be closed Nov. 27, 2023, through mid-April 2024 while work is underway. 

The work is a partnership among the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). 

“The improved boat ramp will provide anglers and others better facilities to launch into the Columbia River,” says Park Manager David Spangler. “We know many visitors are eager to have the ramp back in service, and we thank everyone for their patience.”

Spangler added that OPRD is contributing $858,000 through its Facility Investment Program, and an ODFW grant of $800,000 and an OSMB grant of $342,000 will cover the over $1.14 million project cost. Boat anglers can alternatively access the Columbia River at the Port of The Dalles or Hood River during the construction period this winter. 

Tapani Construction, Inc., of Battle Ground, has been awarded the project.

Silver Falls in winter with snow on the ground.
Silver Falls in winter with snow on the ground.
Silver Falls State Park hosts Winter Festival Dec. 9 and 10 (Photo) - 11/21/23

Enjoy guided nature hikes, seasonal crafts and educational activities at the Silver Falls State Park Winter Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. 

Visitors will have a chance to learn about the park in winter including the changing landscapes and habitats for resident and migratory birds and animals. 

Activities include guided walks and talks; building bird nest boxes; making bird feeders and paper bird crafts; creating wreaths and decorating gingerbread and sugar cookies.

Schedule of Activities:

  • Make a wreath at the Evergreen Picnic Shelter (South Falls day-use area)
  • Build a bird nest box at the Creekside Shelter (South Falls day-use are)
  • Make a bird feeder or paper bird craft in the Stone Kitchen Shelter (South Falls day-use area)
  • Attend a short educational talk or guided walk at the South Falls Theater (South Falls day-use area unless otherwise noted)
    • 11 a.m.*: Winter Hibernators Walk (45-minute walk *at Smith Creek Village)
    • 12 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
    • 1 p.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike)
    • 2 p.m.: Learn to Love a Lichen (20-minute talk)
    • 3 p.m.: Winter birds of Silver Falls (20-minute talk)
  • Visit a discovery table near South Falls to learn about the waterfalls in winter or learn about the winter solstice (South Falls day-use area)
  • Decorate a cookie, make a paper bird craft or learn about winter animal tracks (Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles from the South Falls day-use area)
  • Earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament from taking part in at least five of the above activities

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $5 per day; annual permits, normally $30, are on sale for $25 in the month of December and are available at the park. For more information, visit the event page on our calendar at stateparks.oregon.gov or call 503-874-0201.

All-Terrain Vehicle Advisory Committee meets Nov. 29 in Salem - 11/16/23

SALEM, Ore —The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 29 to review both online and hands-on training statistics, incident reporting, legislative updates, and other ATV Program updates. 

This will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom Webinar, which is open to the public to join as attendees. If an in-person meeting becomes unfeasible, the meeting will move to online only via the Zoom Webinar.

The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The  full agenda and schedule will be posted soon.

Register in advance for this webinar: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lcWccY6ESWub1_tLtku8kw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. More information about the state ATV program is available at www.OregonATV.gov

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Free parking at Oregon State Parks the day after Thanksgiving - 11/15/23

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites Oregonians to head outside the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition for many families. State parks will once again waive day-use parking fees in the 24 parks that are open and charge for parking on that day.

“We’re proud to continue this tradition and offer everyone the chance to explore parks in the fall,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge $5 daily for parking. Fee parks include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online at stateparks.oregon.gov (Fall Creek is listed, but closed for the season).

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 24, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. 

Use #OregonStateParks and #OptOutside on social media to share your adventures. 

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Oregon Heritage Commission to meet Nov. 27 for grant approvals - 11/14/23

Salem - The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via zoom at 10:00 a.m. on November 27. Its agenda includes approval of 2023 Oregon Heritage. Interested parties must register through Zoom to receive access information. You can access the agenda and the registration information here

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, contact coordinator Katie Henry at (503) 877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Beverly_Beach_Camping_(3).jpg
Beverly_Beach_Camping_(3).jpg
Two beach campgrounds update their closure schedules for 2023/2024 (Photo) - 11/09/23

Two popular coastal campgrounds will temporarily close through spring/summer 2024 due to construction. 

Bullards Beach campground, two miles north of Bandon, closed earlier this year for about a month while construction preparation work was completed. The construction schedule changed, which allows the park to reopen temporarily for camping Nov. 13 through Jan. 1, 2024. The campground will close again Jan. 2 through May 22, 2024, to complete the project.

Beverly Beach, seven miles north of Newport, will be closed through July 1, 2024 for construction, which is an extension of the original project schedule.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department understands that it takes time to plan a trip and wants to give potential visitors a chance to make other plans. OPRD knows that these campgrounds are well loved places that will be missed this winter, spring and some of the summer season. The closures will allow crews to improve the parks for seasons to come. 

  • Beverly Beach campgrounds will upgrade the park and campground power and water lines as part of the Go Bond projects, which include improvements at 11 parks around the state
  • Bullards Beach campgrounds will upgrade its main sewer line. The park will be closed through May 22, 2024, which is an extension of the original closure. The extension will impact existing reservations from March 15 through May 22. Campers are being notified and provided with full refunds. 

During the campground closure at Bullards Beach, there will be some areas of the park that visitors can still enjoy. The day use area, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp will remain open. 

All facilities will be closed at Beverly Beach through July 1.

“While we’re disappointed to extend the construction period later into the season, we appreciate the support as we complete these important infrastructure improvements” said Bullards Beach Park Manager Nick Schoeppner.

“In the meantime, we are excited to welcome folks back to the campground at Bullards Beach this fall and winter season.  It’s a great time to visit and enjoy less crowded beaches and trails and explore the community of Bandon and the surrounding area.”

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Public invited to comment on a federal grant award in St Helens - 11/08/23

The City of St Helens has received a grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to fund the following local preservation project. 

Columbia County

City of St Helens
135 S 3rd Street

$17,000 grant funds
Complete porch repairs including roof, ceiling, flooring, and columns, replace historic wood siding with new wood siding, replace 4 non-historic windows, and replace the front door.

This notice serves to make the public aware of the projects and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 30 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or learn more information about this project visit the federal grant public comment section of our website or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Main Street Announces New Application Round for Top Tier Communities - 11/08/23

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street just opened applications for the Designated Main Street and Affiliated Main Street level communities for new communities who want to join the OMS Network at one of the Main Street Track levels or for existing communities that want to move up a level.. Applications are due on January 31, 2023. 

Applications can be found on our website at www.oregonmainstreet or Clicking Here

OMS will host an application workshop on Tuesday, November 14, at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The workshop will cover some of the requirements to participate at these tiers and provide tips on completing the application. You must register in advance to attend:  Click Here to Register

Oregon Main Street has a tiered approach that allows communities to participate in ways that best meet their capacity and needs.  The Main Street track, which includes Accredited, Designated, and Affiliated Main Street levels, is for communities that want to use the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to sustain and enhance their historic downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood district. 

There are specific criteria communities must meet to qualify and maintain status depending on the level of participation. Some of these criteria include:

  • Having an independent nonprofit focused on the historic core
  • Commitment to using the Main Street Four-Point™ structure
  • Adequate staffing levels
  • Participation in required trainings

There is also the Connected Communities level for communities that aren’t ready to use the Main Street™ structure but see value in participating in the OMS Network. A full list of communities participating in the OMS Network can be found at www.oregonmainstreet.org

Acceptance into the Oregon Main Street Network, depending on the Tier, allows communities to participate in services such as training workshops, be eligible for community assessments and technical assistance, and compete for grants.

The Main Street Approach™, developed by Main Street America™, is a time-tested framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization. This proven approach emphasizes community organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality to create healthy and livable downtown commercial districts. This approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, empowerment and the rebuilding of commercial districts based on traditional assets, unique architecture, personal service, local ownership, and sense of community.

“We are excited about opening up applications for communities to participate in our Network at one of our advanced levels,” said Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Through a recent study of our Network, we know the difference our local main street organizations are having on their communities and welcome the opportunity to work more deeply with other communities that want to use the Main Street Approach™.” This study, culminating in the Impact of Oregon’s Main Streets Report, shares the story of how the Oregon Main Street Network strengthens community networks, bolsters the economy, generates state and local tax revenue, and fosters social connections across the state.

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information see our website at www.oregonmainstreet.org, or contact Sheri Stuart at sheri.stuart@oprd.oregon.gov or 503.986.0679.