Project Background Information
The process to fund a Community Center in Woodburn began in 2008, when the City Council conducted a community center feasibility study. Following the economic downturn at the time, the concept was put on pause until 2017, when the City Council revisited the idea and began to update the 2008 study. Through a long process working to secure funds through the Oregon Legislature, the City ultimately secured a $15 million grant and $5 million in City Funds that can be used after the City unlocks matching funds through the passage of a bond measure.
In addition to state and local funds, the City, in partnership with Woodburn Proud, is currently underway on a capital campaign to secure funding from private donors and foundations. By supplementing across multiple revenue sources, we have the best opportunity to build a community center with the highest quality amenities to serve the community for generations to come.
Design work for the project has been guided by a 22-person Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC oversaw the community center design process and provided feedback. Public involvement has also included numerous open houses, meetings with the Parks & Recreation Board and City Council, and community surveys.
Recent Actions
In February 2024, the Community Center Citizens Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the City refer a bond measure to the voters later this year. The Committee has supported the design and development of the project since June 2019.
During that time they’ve:
- Hosted numerous open houses
- Conducted online surveys
- Polled registered Woodburn voters
- Provided guidance regarding critical design features of the facility
Following that recommendation, the Mayor and City Council received the results of a poll of residents on plans to refer a bond measure to voters for this November’s election. Those surveyed preferred the complete version of the project with additional amenities designed to meet the communities’ needs. Later in the meeting, council members discussed the poll results and voted unanimously that they intend to refer the measure to the voters later this year.
Full background materials are available at the following links:
Community Center Path to Referral - November 7, 2023
CAC Meeting - November 7, 2023 (Video) | (Minutes)
Woodburn City Council Presentation Slides - November 7, 2023
Woodburn City Council Presentation Slides - June 26, 2023
Community Center 3D Renderings
Woodburn City Council Presentation Slides - December 09, 2019
Woodburn City Council Presentation Slides - October 14, 2019
CAC Meeting Minutes - September 12, 2019
