Washington County Fair Complex Master Plan Survey

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 10, 2019

The Washington County Fairgrounds Advisory Committee invites community members to help shape the future of the Fair Complex by taking the Master Plan Survey. The goal of the Master Plan, which updates the original 2008 plan, is to develop facilities that support current uses while also accommodating a variety of new events and activities throughout the year. The Master Plan Survey will remain open through May 31.

“We are excited to hear from community members about our proposed plan for the future of the fairgrounds” said Fair Complex Manager, Leah Perkins-Hagele. “These improvements will strengthen our ability to host a dynamic Washington County Fair and many other community events for years to come.”

Construction of the new Event Center, expected to open in Summer 2020, is the centerpiece of a revitalized Fair Complex, but the possibilities of the Fair Complex go well beyond a single building. The updated Master Plan focuses on the western portion of the site and the next phase of improvements. Last year, more than 3800 county residents shared their aspirations for the Fair Complex as part of the planning effort.

One challenge the Master Plan must address is the deterioration of aging buildings. Some have been taken down due to safety concerns, while others, primarily single-purpose barns, need to be replaced or upgraded within the next ten years. A key strategy of the Master Plan is the phased construction of a multi-use facility that can host traditional fair functions, such as 4-H and FFA youth and their animals, and a wide range of other functions year-round. With livestock and equestrian activities spread out over a 10-day Fair beginning in 2020, there will be room for all animal events and exhibits.

Other proposed improvements include new bathrooms, an RV Park, additional parking, converting the Armory Building to a maintenance facility, upgrades to the Cloverleaf Building and site infrastructure, and retaining a significant portion of the current open space, including development of a central outdoor square.

Fairgrounds Advisory Committee members will review the community survey results as part of their deliberations on a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners, which will consider the Master Plan update in late summer or fall of this year.

For more information, please contact the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee c/o Washington County Administrative Office at 503-846-8685, [email protected], or visit the Master Plan webpage at www.co.washington.or.us/Fair/Fairgrounds.

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