Survey Results Drive Next Steps in Willamette Activity Center’s Revitalization

Oakridge, OR – The City of Oakridge and the WAC Fundraising Group are making significant strides in Phase 1 of the ambitious project to restore the Willamette Activity Center (WAC), located at 47674 School Street. Following the unexpected closure of the WAC in 2022, which disrupted many community services, the City of Oakridge and South Willamette Solutions, along with community volunteers and project partners, are applying for grant funding to redevelop this crucial site. This extensive infrastructure work is set to start in 2024, with plans to eventually reopen the revitalized WAC as a central community hub.

A key element of this project has been the community-wide survey conducted by South Willamette Solutions and the City of Oakridge in collaboration with Consor. This survey was essential in understanding the citizens’ expectations and needs for the redeveloped WAC. The community has expressed a strong preference for services, with the following priorities supported: community and social activities (79%), emergency and disaster response (76%), human and social care (73%), health and medical care (72%), early childhood education and child care (69%), business and education center (62%), and vital and basic care (59%). These priorities are shaping the WAC Fundraising Group’s approach to finding grants that will help the renovated WAC effectively meet the community’s needs.

In their pursuit of making this project a reality, the City of Oakridge and the Fundraising Group are diligently working to secure grants from multiple sources. They are applying for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), submitting a Congressionally Directed Spending request through Representative Val Hoyle’s office, and partnering with Lane County for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change project focused on disaster preparedness. Each grant application is being treated as a mini project, requiring a collaborative team effort to answer questions, develop comprehensive proposals and budgets, and gather support from various partners.

One recent grant was awarded from the Oregon Department of Energy Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. This grant allowed the City funds to conduct a solar feasibility study for the WAC. Preliminary findings show that solar is feasible. The full report is expected next month. Barring any unforeseen challenges, the City will be able to apply to the same grant for assistance to install solar capability.

This comprehensive redevelopment effort represents a significant step towards revitalizing a key piece of Oakridge’s community infrastructure. The rejuvenated WAC will serve to not only restore lost services but also to emerge as a more robust and versatile center, capable of addressing a wide range of community needs and emergencies. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses towards meeting fundraising goals.

More information about the project and a full survey report can be found here: https://www.ci.oakridge.or.us/community/page/willamette-activity-center

Written By: SWS WAC Fundraising Group