This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.

             Well, it was 15 years ago….back in 1992 that this community took a good look at itself and came up with some needed changes.

             In case you’ve forgotten….it was the 2002 study chair manned by Steve Harper, Colonel of the Oregon Air National Guard.   Hundreds of people took part and came forth with recommendations how to make the future of our community better.

             Now…..15 years later is an appropriate time to look at some of those recommendations and see how we have fared.

We can’t cover them all in one commentary so let’s take a look at some suggestions that have been accomplished.

In education:  Establish a Community College by 2002.  This has become a reality and is rapidly expanding to become a huge asset to the area.

On Water resources:  Restore marshlands in Upper Klamath Lake and add off-stream storage.   Some marshland areas are being restored and there have been several farming areas earmarked for off stream storage.  The use of the waters of Upper Klamath Lake is under intensive scrutiny by all users.

Add facilities to Moore Park:  The dredging remains of many years ago have given way to a lakeside park area with marina access as well as areas for other facilities.  The park itself remains a multi-use facility.

Lake Ewauna:  Add wetland interpretive center and picnic area.  This has been done.  Recent developments have included lakeside addition to Veterans Memorial Park….proposed new developments commercially as well as added area for wetland area and more lake useage including ridding the lake of much of the accumulated logs and other debris.

Fairgrounds:  Provide expanded community complex with new exhibit building, judging areas, convention center.  The Fairgrounds has undergone remarkable changes with the new Event Center and including convention areas, additional barns and commercial areas.

Airport:  Protect area by zoning and expand facilities:  Thanks in a great part to the Air Guard stationed there much has improved at the airport.  A recent remodeling of the terminal building is a case in point as well as addition and renewal of former hangar facilities.  Many of the outmoded structures at the airport have been demolished or remodeled.  The runways have been improved and expanded….and zoning has protected the area from housing intrusions.

             Transportation:   Five lane highway along Washburn Way from Oregon 39 to Oregon 140.   The five lane highway complete with an overpass entry to both Highway 39, US 97 and on to the Crater Lake Parkway has been completed and has become a highly commercial section of the community thereby.

So…...we haven’t been standing still these past 15 years as a community.   Many of the 2002 suggestions have been enacted and the community is not only better for it, but certainly is better prepared for the future growth that is predicted.

 Next we’ll take a look at some of the good recommendations that have not been done.

 This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.

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Text Box:   This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.              Well, it was 15 years ago….back in 1992 that this community took a good look at itself and came up with some needed changes.              In case you’ve forgotten….it was the 2002 study chair manned by Steve Harper, Colonel of the Oregon Air National Guard.   Hundreds of people took part and came forth with recommendations how to make the future of our community better.              Now…..15 years later is an appropriate time to look at some of those recommendations and see how we have fared. We can’t cover them all in one commentary so let’s take a look at some suggestions that have been accomplished. In education:  Establish a Community College by 2002.  This has become a reality and is rapidly expanding to become a huge asset to the area. On Water resources:  Restore marshlands in Upper Klamath Lake and add off-stream storage.   Some marshland areas are being restored and there have been several farming areas earmarked for off stream storage.  The use of the waters of Upper Klamath Lake is under intensive scrutiny by all users. Add facilities to Moore Park:  The dredging remains of many years ago have given way to a lakeside park area with marina access as well as areas for other facilities.  The park itself remains a multi-use facility. Lake Ewauna:  Add wetland interpretive center and picnic area.  This has been done.  Recent developments have included lakeside addition to Veterans Memorial Park….proposed new developments commercially as well as added area for wetland area and more lake useage including ridding the lake of much of the accumulated logs and other debris. Fairgrounds:  Provide expanded community complex with new exhibit building, judging areas, convention center.  The Fairgrounds has undergone remarkable changes with the new Event Center and including convention areas, additional barns and commercial areas. Airport:  Protect area by zoning and expand facilities:  Thanks in a great part to the Air Guard stationed there much has improved at the airport.  A recent remodeling of the terminal building is a case in point as well as addition and renewal of former hangar facilities.  Many of the outmoded structures at the airport have been demolished or remodeled.  The runways have been improved and expanded….and zoning has protected the area from housing intrusions.              Transportation:   Five lane highway along Washburn Way from Oregon 39 to Oregon 140.   The five lane highway complete with an overpass entry to both Highway 39, US 97 and on to the Crater Lake Parkway has been completed and has become a highly commercial section of the community thereby. So…...we haven’t been standing still these past 15 years as a community.   Many of the 2002 suggestions have been enacted and the community is not only better for it, but certainly is better prepared for the future growth that is predicted.  Next we’ll take a look at some of the good recommendations that have not been done.  This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.    

Text Box: 4/12/07