At the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to support a strong local economy and ensure McMinnville remains a place where both businesses and families want to live, work and grow. That’s why, after listening to our members and carefully considering the long-term needs of our city, we are proud to endorse the McMinnville Community Parks and Recreation Bond.

Why Our Chamber Supports This Investment

Over the past few months, we’ve listened closely to our members. From manufacturers to small retailers, from professional services to hospitality businesses, one clear message emerged: McMinnville must continue investing in quality-of-life infrastructure to stay competitive. Businesses told us they see the value of parks, recreation, and community amenities not only for their own employees attracting customers, visitors, and future talent.

When companies consider where to expand or relocate, they look for more than just available land and buildings. They want to be in communities that people are proud to call home—places with wellness, recreation, and gathering spaces that foster connection and balance. Our chamber believes this bond represents exactly that kind of forward-thinking, strategic investment.

A Stronger Tool for Workforce Attraction and Retention

In today’s competitive labor market, communities that offer robust opportunities for wellness and recreation stand out. Young professionals and families increasingly choose where to live based on lifestyle and amenities. This bond directly supports that choice.

By consolidating two outdated facilities into one modern, efficient recreation center, McMinnville will be better positioned to:

  • Attract a young workforce looking for communities with vibrant, healthy lifestyles.
  • Retain the talent we already have by ensuring that employees and their families have access to recreation, fitness, and community connections.
  • Strengthen our local economy as businesses gain a valuable recruiting tool.

Smart, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective

This proposal is not just about new facilities—it’s about investing wisely. By replacing aging, inefficient facilities with a consolidated, modern recreation center, the City of McMinnville will reduce long-term maintenance costs, improve sustainability, and create a resource that serves generations to come.

Building Civic Pride and Community Identity

Beyond economics and workforce needs, this investment builds something equally important: community pride and identity. Parks and recreation spaces are where neighbors meet, children grow, and generations come together. They are part of what makes McMinnville unique. A modern facility reinforces our city’s reputation as vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking.

Why the Chamber Says YES

The Chamber’s endorsement of the Community Parks and Recreation Bond is grounded in the voices of our members and the needs of our local economy. Parks and recreation facilities are more than buildings—they are investments in business vitality, workforce development, and the livability of our city.

We encourage McMinnville voters to join us in saying YES to this bond. Together, we can ensure McMinnville continues to be a place where businesses thrive, families flourish, and the next generation of talent chooses to call home.

John Olson, President/CEO