Portland, Ore. (June 23, 2025) – The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is awarding nearly $6.2 million to 65 groundbreaking projects through the agency’s 2024-25 Competitive Grants Program. This significant investment represents the agency’s commitment to fostering remarkable visitor experiences that increase access and inclusion for historically and currently underserved or under-resourced communities.
Travel Oregon’s competitive grants program awards eligible applicants for projects that contribute to the development and improvement of communities throughout the state by means of the enhancement, expansion and promotion of the visitor industry. Eligible applicants include local governments, port districts, federally recognized Tribes and non-profit entities registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. Funded projects represent a wide range of community visions, from adaptive trails and inclusive outdoor activities to cultural heritage programming and experiences.
“These transformational grant funds build upon the remarkable travel experiences available across Oregon for residents and visitors alike,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “From adaptive mountain biking trails to heritage tours that share important cultural stories, these 65 projects are rewriting what it means to travel our state. We’re removing barriers to experiences that have, in the past, been out of reach for many people. We’re excited to support projects across the state’s seven regions that help ensure Oregon is truly welcoming to all.”
The 2024-25 Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program was designed to increase access and inclusiveness for those who may have experienced barriers to visiting our great state—whether by better addressing various mobility challenges or celebrating the diversity of people and communities who live in and travel to Oregon. This year’s grant awardees represent meaningful work from all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions, creating a statewide network of accessible and inclusive experiences.
Highlights from each region include:
Central Oregon
- Kah-Nee-Ta:$145,900.00 to fund the placement of a distinctive glass Teepee to welcome guests to the reimagined Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, a cultural collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Resorts of the Cascades.
- Oregon Adaptive Sports: $60,000.00 to expand program offerings by developing and implementing a world-class adaptive paddling program in the Central Oregon and Cascade Lakes region and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities n to participate in transformative outdoor experiences.
“With the support of Travel Oregon, OAS is making bold strides toward a more inclusive outdoor future. This investment in the “Access, Elevated” initiative allows Oregon Adaptive Sports to launch a world-class adaptive paddling program and expand our nationally recognized adaptive mountain biking offerings—unlocking the magic of Central Oregon’s lakes, trails, and mountains for individuals with disabilities from across the country.” — Pat Addabbo, Executive Director, Oregon Adaptive Sports
Eastern Oregon
- Pendleton Chamber of Commerce: $136,500.00 to fund Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet, a multi-day event in October 2026 celebrating the Indigenous and Western heritage that defines Pendleton through fashion, design and artistry.
“This grant will help us share Pendleton’s rich and diverse heritage in a bold new way—through fashion that intersects tradition and innovation with Indigenous and Western designers.’ Interwoven’ will shine light on emerging design talent, invite new visitors to experience our welcoming community, and cement Pendleton as a destination for multicultural tourism.” – Justin Waldon, Travel Pendleton Director
- Joseph Branch Trail Consortium: $120,000.00 to construct an 1.08-mile accessible and ADA-compliant trail segment that will provide a safe, off-street way for visitors to cross from Wallowa into the 320-acre Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland, featuring landscaping, interpretive signage, benches, and other amenities.
Mt. Hood/Gorge
- Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation: $150,000.00 to support the creation of a long-term strategy to guide the development of the visitor experience at Bonneville Dam Historic District, highlighting opportunities for educational storytelling through contemporary wayfinding, signage and interpretive exhibits.
“With Travel Oregon’s support and in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, we’re developing a master interpretive plan to guide how visitors, regardless of background or ability, are engaged in and connected to all this site has to offer. The Bonneville Dam Hatchery now has the potential to become a top tier Oregon attraction that features a diverse set of opportunities to engage visitors of all ages and interests.” – Tim Greseth, Executive Director of the Oregon Wildlife Foundation.
- National Forest Foundation: $125,000.00 for a redesign of the popular Fish Creek Day Use Area, lost in the 2020 Riverside Fire, with the aim of an accessible boat ramp, new parking layout and options for an accessible path to the Clackamas River.
Oregon Coast
- David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems: $98,900.00 to expand services in the Oregon Coast communities of Seaside, Rockaway Beach, Pacific City and Coos Bay through the addition of five all-terrain track chairs and a trailer.
“Those with mobility challenges, regardless of the reason, are most often left out, or disregarded, when it comes to outdoor recreation and experiences. With the help of Travel Oregon, David’s Chair is providing access for those who need it, free of charge, via electric all-terrain track chairs. We are very grateful for this support and the more equitable community and accessibility we can create together.” – Jeff Kallevig, Operations Manager, David’s Chair OMS
- City of Gold Beach: $75,000.00 to replace the existing playground with a new ADA compliant, accessible structure at the centrally located Collier H. Buffington Memorial Park, creating a safer place for visitors and residents of all abilities to play.
“Thanks to this grant, we’re one step closer to building a facility that truly reflects the diverse and vibrant community of locals and visitors who love our beautiful coastal town. We’re so excited to expand our current offerings by significantly enhancing our outdoor recreation area to enrich the visitor experience and transform Buffington Park into an even more inviting, inclusive, and dynamic public space for all to enjoy.” – Anthony Pagano, Community Development Director, City of Gold Beach
Portland Region
- Lan Su Chinese Garden$100,000.00 for a multilingual accessibility and cultural inclusion project addressing barriers to providing an inclusive experience for visitors from the Spanish-speaking, AANHPI, and international communities.
“At Lan Su Chinese Garden, we are committed to making Chinese culture accessible to all. With support from Travel Oregon, we are removing language and cultural barriers that have limited access in the past—ensuring more people feel welcomed into the garden. This project isn’t just about expanding access; it’s about opening hearts. By creating a more inclusive and culturally connected space, we’re honoring the diversity of our community and inviting everyone to experience the richness of Chinese heritage. In doing so, we’re contributing to a broader vision—a community that celebrates and uplifts all cultures, where everyone feels they truly belong.” – Elizabeth Nye, Lan Su Garden Executive Director
- Oregon Walks: $150,000.00 to develop and deploy a pedestrian wayfinding pilot project in downtown Portland including high-quality maps and signage, a website, lighting and art, visitor engagement, data collection and photo/video documentation.
“Oregon Walks, in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Travel Portland, is thrilled to accept this grant for Walk Portland, a pilot pedestrian wayfinding system in downtown Portland. Through signage, artwork, and a designated downtown walking route, Walk Portland will help people feel more confident exploring downtown as a pedestrian—whether you’re new to Portland or have lived here your whole life.” – Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director Oregon Walks
Southern Oregon
- Lake County Chamber of Commerce: $149,957.00 to expand the Warner Canyon Summertime Mountain Bike Network, with trails rated Level 1 for Adaptive Mountain Biking.
- Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce: $20,000.00 to achieve Wheel the World (WTW) Destination Verification by undertaking accessibility audits with 12 local partner sites and promotion through Sutherlin’s existing print and digital outlets.
“With these funds, we’ll be able to connect 12 local businesses with Wheel the World, helping them enhance accessibility, gain visibility on a global platform, and welcome a broader and often underserved demographic of travelers. This project allows us to celebrate the work already happening in our city around accessibility and take it to the next level responsibly, inclusively and with purpose. We are profoundly grateful to Travel Oregon for supporting this meaningful and important work.” – Jessica Cannon Executive Director of Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Willamette Valley
- Salem Riverfront Carousel: $21,250.00 to enhance the infrastructure surrounding the Carousel with a wheelchair ramp for use by visitors and staff and a new entrance gate to ensure the safety of riders and improve operational efficiency.
“The enhancements to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel will significantly increase accessibility and safety, ensuring that all members of our community — including individuals with disabilities — and visitors from around the world can fully enjoy the magic of the carousel. The impact of this project will be deeply felt in our community — through greater inclusion, enhanced visitor experience, and renewed pride in a space that belongs to all of us.” – Marie Bradford-Blevins, Executive Director Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. “
- Linn County Parks and Recreation Department (LCPR): $150,000.00 for Clear Lake for All, a project that will fund ADA accessible yurts and an adaptive kayak launch at Clear Lake, a non-motorized mountain lake known for its crystal-clear water, fishing and ancient preserved underwater forest.
Multiple Regions
- Dirty Freehub:$60,000.00 to promote more than 300 accessible Ride Guides highlighting accessible gravel cycling to people living with both visible and non-visible disabilities.
- Oregon Remembrance Project (ORP) $141,500.00 to pilot “Sunshine Trips,” overnight tours connecting Black visitors with communities that were historically unwelcoming to African Americans and other racial minorities. Visitors will meet with community leaders, visit sites of local and cultural significance and attend local cultural celebrations.
Since the program’s inception, Travel Oregon has invested more than $26 million in hundreds of projects that uplift local communities and expand visitor experiences throughout the state. Projects funded by the competitive grants program in 2024-2025 will be completed by November 3, 2026. See the full list of awardees here.
About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon, we work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the ecosystems, cultures and places that make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $14.3 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 121,000 Oregonians.