Recreation Ready Program
Recreation Ready is a Travel Oregon program designed to support rural communities in developing outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity, respect natural environments, and increase access and equity.
To apply, communities must identify a project concept they believe achieve these goals. Program awardees work with Travel Oregon over two phases. First, communities receive education, technical assistance and capacity to determine the feasibility of the project concepts. In the second phase, feasible projects are eligible to receive additional technical assistance and financial investment to further advance project concepts.
Community Gatherings
Cave Junction: Gateway to the Stars Community Gathering
April 8, 5-7 p.m.
McKenzie River: Deathball Trail System Community Gathering
April 9, 5-7 p.m.
La Grande: Bike Park Community Gathering
April 21, 4-6 p.m.
Newberg: A Riverfront Reimagined Community Gatherings
April 23, 9-11 a.m. & 5-7 p.m.
2025 Awarded Projects
Project 1: Deathball Trail System
Organization lead: Cascade Volunteers
Project type: Soft-surface trail recreation
Region: Willamette Valley (McKenzie River Valley)
Concept: Aims to develop a destination-quality trail system—with interpretive sites honoring First Nations heritage—designed for mountain biking experiences for all skill levels and abilities, including e-bikes and adaptive bikes, and is accessible by public transportation.
Project 2: IVCoC Gateway to the Stars
Organization lead: Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce
Project type: Dark Skies
Region: Southern Oregon (Cave Junction & Illinois Valley)
Concept: Aims to certify the City of Cave Junction as a Dark Sky Community from DarkSky International, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the beauty of night skies. The initiative would enhance street and business lighting to maintain Cave Junction’s rural charm while reducing light pollution—supporting Cave Junction as a premier destination for stargazing and dark sky tourism.
Project 3: La Grande Bike Park
Organization lead: Grande Ronde Gravity
Project type: Soft-surface trail recreation
Region: Eastern Oregon (La Grande)
Concept: Aims to create a destination-quality bike park close-to-town that offers trails, jumps and skills area for mountain and BMK biking for all abilities.
Project 4: A Riverfront Reimagined
Organization lead: Taste Newberg
Project type: Water recreation
Region: Willamette Valley (Newberg)
Concept: Aims to create a water trail access point, designed to accommodate all skill levels, offering recreational entry to a regional water trail network near the confluence of the Willamette and Yamhill Rivers.
