City of North Bend release - Travel Oregon grant helps fund “The Hub,” a visitor-friendly rest area with ADA restrooms, hydration stations, bike amenities, and digital kiosks—part of a broader park revitalization plan.  Big changes are coming to the corner of California and Sherman Avenues, where the City of North Bend is preparing to transform a highly visible but underutilized space into a vibrant, inclusive hub for both travelers and the local community.  Thanks to a $150,000 grant from Travel Oregon’s 2024-25 Competitive Grants Program, North Bend will move forward with construction of The Hub Rest Area: Convenient, Accessible, and Inclusive Stop for Oregon Coast Travelers—a project that City leaders say will set a new standard for welcoming public infrastructure.  The Hub is part of a multi-year vision to reshape the downtown pocket park located in front of the North Bend Visitor Information Center into a central gathering place and springboard for tourism, community events, and economic development.  “This is more than just a rest stop—it’s an invitation to discover North Bend,” said Stephanie Wilson, the city’s Community Development Manager and lead for the North Bend Main Street Program. “We’re building a space that’s thoughtfully designed for everyone, whether you’re a cyclist navigating the coast, a family exploring our shops, or a visitor needing a quiet, clean, accessible place to regroup.”  The Vision:  The latest phase of the project will include:  • ADA-compliant restroom facilities with secure key-code entry, helping address a critical need for safe and clean public amenities in our city center.  • A multi-use hydration station for both people and pets—particularly beneficial for cyclists and walkers utilizing nearby coastal routes.  • Secure bike racks and an on-site bike repair station, aligning with Oregon’s focus on outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism.  • Landscaping and lighting upgrades, ensuring the park is safe, attractive, and welcoming day and night.  • An interactive digital kiosk offering real-time tourism information in multiple languages, including maps, event listings, and details about local attractions and businesses.  • ADA Accessible Walkway, connecting park visitors from the lower street level to the Visitor Information Center building and historic attractions.  Wilson said these improvements are designed with intention: “We’re combining form and function. The park should reflect the kind of community we are—welcoming, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in the beauty of the Oregon Coast.”  More Than a Rest Area:  The park’s strategic location across from City Hall and adjacent to the Visitor Information Center makes it a natural gateway to North Bend’s historic downtown. Officials envision it becoming a focal point for local events, including live music, seasonal markets, and civic celebrations.  “The Hub will be the cornerstone of a future downtown plaza,” Wilson explained. “With infrastructure like outdoor seating, a public stage, and accessible pathways, we’re laying the groundwork for year-round community use.”  Future phases may include a permanent stage for public performances, covered seating areas for shade and weather protection, public art installations, and interpretive signage that tells the story of North Bend’s past, present, and future.  The timing, Wilson said, couldn’t be better.  “We’re seeing growing interest from both locals and visitors in outdoor, walkable downtown spaces. This project meets that moment,” she said. “It’s an investment in quality of life, tourism, and economic development—all at once.”  Inclusive and Intentional Design:  Inclusivity is at the heart of the project. The park design incorporates universal design principles to ensure access for individuals with mobility challenges, vision or hearing impairments, and other disabilities.  The digital kiosk will feature not only multilingual support but audio narration and tactile navigation options—allowing more users to engage with North Bend’s tourism offerings independently and confidently.  The water stations will be at multiple heights for both adults and children, as well as wheelchair users. Pet owners will appreciate the built-in bowls for their four-legged companions.  “This isn’t about checking a box—it’s about creating a space where every person feels they belong,” said Wilson.  Funding and Community Support:  The latest phase will cost $257,000, with Travel Oregon contributing $150,000 and the City of North Bend covering the balance with transient lodging tax revenue and urban renewal funds. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the fall.  “This grant accelerates what was already a community-driven priority,” said City Administrator David Milliron. “It reflects our shared commitment to accessibility, economic vitality, and showcasing North Bend as a premier coastal destination.”  Travel Oregon awarded nearly $6.2 million in grants to 65 projects across the state this year. The Hub project was selected for its alignment with the state’s tourism priorities, including expanding equitable access, supporting underserved communities, and encouraging responsible recreation.  A Downtown Renaissance:  For Wilson and the team at City Hall, The Hub marks just the beginning of a broader downtown renaissance.  “This pocket park is becoming the front porch of our city,” Wilson said. “When visitors stop here, they’ll feel the pride we have in our community—and hopefully they’ll stay awhile longer, explore our shops, dine local, and come back again.”  Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s website and social media for updates, including concept art, construction timelines, and community input opportunities as the project moves forward.  “North Bend has always been a place of connection—between the bay and the forest, between past and future,” Wilson said. “The Hub honors that spirit, and we’re thrilled to bring it to life.”