Clatsop County launches fairgrounds strategic-plan outreach, schedules two public open houses
April 02, 2026 | Clatsop County, Oregon
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Gail Henriksen, community development director for Clatsop County, told the board the county has launched public outreach for a fairgrounds strategic plan that will guide facility and amenity priorities for the coming decades.
Henriksen said the county posted a dedicated webpage on the county site with a 12-question survey that opened March 27 and runs through April 30. She reported 25 responses so far and said staff will hold an in-person open house at the fairgrounds on April 18 from noon to 2 p.m., with displays, printed surveys and one-on-one conversations to gather deeper input. A second open house is scheduled for May 20 to review the draft strategic plan with the public, and staff aim to bring a final plan to the board for adoption in June.
The fair board has identified 12 peer fairgrounds for comparison, Henriksen said, with most in-state but including Cowlitz County and Grays Harbor County in Washington. Staff will send written surveys to peer venues, follow up by phone if necessary and compile the findings by the end of the month to inform a draft report.
"If you go to that page, which you can access through the county's homepage, you will see this link that explains why we're doing the update, upcoming events, and there's also a link to the survey," Henriksen said, encouraging commissioners to spread the word.
Kyle Sharpstein, fairgrounds manager, said staff are looking forward to a plan that establishes priorities for the next 5–20 years. Commissioners welcomed the outreach and noted the importance of understanding competing venues and rental-market dynamics as fairgrounds staff weigh amenity improvements and pricing.
Henriksen asked the board if it wanted an additional work session before staff presents the draft plan; the board did not add one and staff will proceed with stakeholder interviews and public engagement timelines previously described.
The county did not take formal action during the discussion; commissioners encouraged robust public participation at the open houses and survey.
Henriksen said the county posted a dedicated webpage on the county site with a 12-question survey that opened March 27 and runs through April 30. She reported 25 responses so far and said staff will hold an in-person open house at the fairgrounds on April 18 from noon to 2 p.m., with displays, printed surveys and one-on-one conversations to gather deeper input. A second open house is scheduled for May 20 to review the draft strategic plan with the public, and staff aim to bring a final plan to the board for adoption in June.
The fair board has identified 12 peer fairgrounds for comparison, Henriksen said, with most in-state but including Cowlitz County and Grays Harbor County in Washington. Staff will send written surveys to peer venues, follow up by phone if necessary and compile the findings by the end of the month to inform a draft report.
"If you go to that page, which you can access through the county's homepage, you will see this link that explains why we're doing the update, upcoming events, and there's also a link to the survey," Henriksen said, encouraging commissioners to spread the word.
Kyle Sharpstein, fairgrounds manager, said staff are looking forward to a plan that establishes priorities for the next 5–20 years. Commissioners welcomed the outreach and noted the importance of understanding competing venues and rental-market dynamics as fairgrounds staff weigh amenity improvements and pricing.
Henriksen asked the board if it wanted an additional work session before staff presents the draft plan; the board did not add one and staff will proceed with stakeholder interviews and public engagement timelines previously described.
The county did not take formal action during the discussion; commissioners encouraged robust public participation at the open houses and survey.
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