Explore Prineville and Chamber report tourism gains, plan accessible golf cart at Meadow Lakes

Representatives from Explore Prineville and the Prineville Chamber briefed the Crook County Board of Commissioners on recent tourism and membership activity and highlighted planned accessibility improvements for local recreation.

Kim Molnar, representing Explore Prineville, described the destination marketing organization’s work to grow visitation during off-peak months and track website and social media metrics. "We've seen a 5% increase in the lodging tax income, from both the county and the city that's overall in the past year," Molnar said. She noted the group has recruited three new events to the city in the past year and highlighted the new High Desert Moonfest as a local success.

Molnar told the board that Meadow Lakes golf course will receive a grant-funded accessible golf cart that will allow users who use wheelchairs to play; the cart will be free to users and available by reservation beginning July 1. "We will be the only public golf course in Central Oregon to have this cart," she said.

Deb Shaw, operations manager for the Chamber, described membership and event metrics: membership growth from 462 to 518, about 63 events held last year, and a weekly newsletter open rate the organization reported at roughly 42 percent. Shaw thanked the county for support and noted office and visitor center improvements funded in part by grants and local capital funds.

Why it matters: County tourism promotion supports local hotels, restaurants and retailers by attracting out-of-area visitors and events. The accessible golf cart will broaden recreation access for people with mobility impairments and may draw additional visitors to Meadow Lakes and the county.

Next steps: Explore Prineville and the Chamber will continue event recruitment, marketing, and visitor services; staff asked commissioners to continue supporting grant requests and promotional activities.