Frequently Asked Questions
The current Master Plan recommendation includes a few questions we’re still seeking answers to. Below you will find answers to many commonly asked questions about the plan. As we hear from more people, we’ll continue to expand this page to provide you with as much information as possible.
Q: What is the Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force?
Q: Why was the Task Force formed?
Q: What is the property being used for now?
Q: Who owns the Fairgrounds?
Q: What has the Task Force accomplished?
Q: Why is the Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan important to me?
Q: How will the Master Plan be implemented?
Q: What is the relationship between the Task Force and the Port of Portland?
Q: What types of acts will the Exhibit Hall attract?
Q: What items are imminent?
Q: How will the Master Plan be funded?
Q: What are the advocacy rules pertaining to a ballot measure?
Q: What is the relationship between the Fairgrounds and the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation?
Q: What are the details in of the City of Hillsboro's ball field lease agreement?
Q: What happens to the lease if the Phase One funding is not successful?
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the Grant Street extension project go forward?
Q: What is the seating capacity of the 120,000-square-foot facility planned for the first phase?
Q: How will pedestrians safely cross Grant Street?
Q: Where will rodeos be held?
Q: What will happen to the facility during construction?
Q: How many RV spaces are available in the Master Plan?
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the National Guard Armory still be relocated?
Q: What happens to the revenue surplus that may be generated by new facilities?
Q: What is the Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force?
A: The Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force is a committee of 15 appointed community members representing various groups and industries from all geographic regions of the County. It was created by the Washington County Board of Commissioners in March 2007 and is led by Chairman Tom Brian and Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes.
Q: Why was the Task Force formed?
A: The Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force was charged with recommending a new plan for the 101-acre County Fair Complex property located at NE Cornell Rd. and NE 34th Ave. in Hillsboro.
Q: What is the property being used for now?
A: The most well-known events currently taking place at the property include the Hillsboro Air Show and the Washington County Fair. The property is a valuable asset that is currently underutilized. It offers a unique opportunity to serve the exhibition and civic event needs of all Washington County residents.
Q: Who owns the Fairgrounds?
A: The complex is located in Hillsboro’s city limits. The County owns the rights, usage and land. The Fairgrounds Revitalization Master Plan is a Washington County project and the city of Hillsboro is a partner.
Q: What has the Task Force accomplished?
A: The Task Force held eight public meetings in 2007. During this time, the Task Force heard from a variety of stakeholders, including current and potential users of the Fair Complex, land and transportation planners, and financial consultants. The public was invited to provide input throughout the process. In December 2007, the Task Force unanimously recommended the Fairgrounds Revitalization Master Plan.
Q: Why is the Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan important to me?
A: The goal is to revitalize the property to ensure its long-term economic viability and service to the entire community while creating an exciting place for year-round events. The plan aims to make the property a viable facility and strengthen the County’s role in the Metro region as a center for diverse educational, recreational and civic programs. It is designed to foster the County’s growing crafts, entertainment and tourist industries, while preserving Washington County’s agricultural heritage by maintaining traditional fair facilities.
Q: How will the Master Plan be implemented?
A: To ensure an efficient and fiscally prudent redevelopment of the site, the Master Plan will be implemented in four phases. The size and mix of facilities of later phases will be based on the results of earlier phases to make certain community and economic needs are met.
Phase One:
The most notable feature is the construction of a 120,000-square-foot exhibit hall to host conventions, trade shows, performing arts and other activities. There will be about 90,000-square-feet of divisible, column-free, flat-floor space and related meeting, breakout, pre-function and accessory space attracting first-class events to Washington County.
Although a pending issue, if included in the Master Plan the extension of Grant Street from NE 28th Ave. to NE Brookwood Parkway will be included in Phase One, as well as the construction of a park-like plaza connecting the exhibit hall and MAX station.
Phase Two:
In Phase Two, 11 acres of the site will be sold to the Oregon National Guard to construct a new armory of about 40,000-square-feet, a 24,000-square-foot maintenance facility and accessory facilities.
Phase Three:
The construction of a 100,000-square-foot covered pavilion to host outdoor events like concerts, rodeos, farmers markets and theatrical events is slated to take place during Phase Three. In the past, Washington County has not had a venue to accommodate such events.
Also, additional parking space, landscaping, the restoration of existing buildings and ball fields are part of Phase Three.
Phase Four:
The Master Plan reserves 15 acres east of NE 34th Ave. for a long-term use that is to be determined in the future.
Q: What is the relationship between the Task Force and the Port of Portland?
A: The Task Force has been working closely with the Portland of Portland and FAA to ensure all air safety rules and regulations are followed. Air safety is a top priority.
Q: What types of acts will the Exhibit Hall attract?
A: The exhibit hall is the ideal size to attract cultural, community-centered educational events, trade shows and conventions. The exhibit hall will not be in direct competition with any of Portland’s event centers.
Q: What items are imminent?
A: The extension of Grant Street from NE 28th Ave. to NE Brookwood Parkway is a pending issue. This extension is part of the City of Hillsboro’s transportation plan. Safety precautions are being considered to ensure the property is pedestrian friendly. This extension is also required for the National Guard armory to relocate to the Southeast corner of the property. The Grant Street extension is planned to begin in Phase One.
We are still determining how to use the future development site outlined in Phase Four. One consideration is leasing that area of the grounds to a Renaissance Festival. A subcommittee is being formed to further explore this option.
The future management structure will also be reviewed and discussed with stakeholders. A recommendation will be made when the Task Force reconvenes in the coming months.
Q: How will the Master Plan be funded?
A: The Phase One investment is an estimated $55 million and would be funded through various revenue sources, including a 30-year Washington County general obligation bond, City of Hillsboro-backed revenue bonds and city traffic impact funds. If approved, homeowners would initially pay 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, a rate that is estimated to decline each year for an average of 3 cents per $1000 over the life of the bond. Homeowners with an average assessed value of $200,000 would pay an estimated $12 for the first year of the county bond and reduced amounts in the years after that. Implementation of additional phases would depend on voter approval of Phase One.
The City of Hillsboro is a partner in this project. Hillsboro will be contributing $6,874,000 in TIF Arterial funds toward the development of Grant Street and another $3,415,000 in TIF Mass Transit funds toward the development of the light rail connection plaza. It will also be backing $5,000,000 in Limited Tax Obligation Bonds.
More details about the recommendation can be found on the Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force Web site.
Q: What are the advocacy rules pertaining to a ballot measure?
A: The Listening Bureaus are designed to solicit feedback before the Task Force makes a final recommendation to the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The presented Master Plan is only a recommendation. Although voter approval of a ballot measure would be required for Phase One to be implemented, the Board of County Commissioners has not referred a ballot measure to the voters yet.
Q: What is the relationship between the Fairgrounds and the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation?
A: For many years, the City of Hillsboro and Washington County had a lease agreement allowing the City to use the ballfields and tennis courts at the County-owned fairgrounds. The original lease has expired but the City continues to use the fields and tennis courts in accordance with the operational requirements of the original lease.
Q: What are the details in of the City of Hillsboro's ball field lease agreement?
A: Under the terms of the original lease, the cost to lease the fields is negligible. The City pays for all field and court maintenance and any expenses related to use of the fields. As part of the Phase One funding, the City will issue a $5 million limited tax obligation bond. In addition, the City will commit $6.8 million in collector Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) funds for the expansion of Grant Street and $3.4 million in transit Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) funds to build the plaza. The City's contribution will serve as an upfront 30-year lease payment on the existing ballfields.
Q: What happens to the lease if the Phase One funding is not successful?
A: If Phase One is not implemented, the City will probably want to re-negotiate the lease. Though the City is very interested in continued use of the ballfields, budget constraints may affect the future of the lease arrangement.
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the Grant Street extension project go forward?
A: The Grant Street extension is part of Phase One, but is not dependent upon County general obligation bond funding. The Grant Street project is part of the City's transportation plan and would occur when any development takes place on the fairgrounds.
Q: What is the seating capacity of the 120,000-square-foot facility planned for the first phase?
A: Existing centers of this size can seat 6,000 people. This facility will accommodate a number of events that attract a large audience, including local graduation ceremonies that are currently held outside of Washington County.
Q: How will pedestrians safely cross Grant Street?
A: The use of speed tables, street pattern designs and pedestrian-crossing signals will be designed to ensure the safety of site-users. The County will work with the City to explore safety features including street closure policies to address large events warranting re-routing of traffic.
Q: Where will rodeos be held?
A: Rodeos and other outdoor events can be held in the covered pavilion, which would be built in Phase Three. In the interim, the rodeo will be held in the current arena.
Q: What will happen to the facility during construction?
A: The timeline for construction will need to be developed after the Task Force has issued its recommendations. Implementation of the master plan recommended by the Task Force would be contingent upon countywide voter approval of the 30-year general obligation bond anticipated in Phase One.
Q: How many RV spaces are available in the Master Plan?
A: There are 38 RV parking stalls planned as part of Phase Three to the west of Heritage Commons. Other aspects of Phase Three include restoration of existing buildings, additional athletic fields and a 100,000-square-foot covered pavilion.
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the National Guard Armory still be relocated?
A: The National Guard has indicated that the current facility does not meet the minimum security criteria and parking needs for their long-term use. The Guard has expressed its intent to collaborate with Washington County and the City of Hillsboro to designate property for replacement of the Hillsboro Armory, while ensuring that any new property is sufficient to accommodate their facility requirements.
Q: What happens to the revenue surplus that may be generated by new facilities?
A: Any net operating revenue from the revitalized facilities would be part of the budget for the new events center. The capital funds involved (traffic impact fees, general obligation bond, etc.) would be controlled by the respective jurisdictions in charge of these revenues, in this case the City of Hillsboro and Washington County.
The current Master Plan recommendation includes a few questions we’re still seeking answers to. Below you will find answers to many commonly asked questions about the plan. As we hear from more people, we’ll continue to expand this page to provide you with as much information as possible.
Q: What is the Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force?
Q: Why was the Task Force formed?
Q: What is the property being used for now?
Q: Who owns the Fairgrounds?
Q: What has the Task Force accomplished?
Q: Why is the Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan important to me?
Q: How will the Master Plan be implemented?
Q: What is the relationship between the Task Force and the Port of Portland?
Q: What types of acts will the Exhibit Hall attract?
Q: What items are imminent?
Q: How will the Master Plan be funded?
Q: What are the advocacy rules pertaining to a ballot measure?
Q: What is the relationship between the Fairgrounds and the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation?
Q: What are the details in of the City of Hillsboro's ball field lease agreement?
Q: What happens to the lease if the Phase One funding is not successful?
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the Grant Street extension project go forward?
Q: What is the seating capacity of the 120,000-square-foot facility planned for the first phase?
Q: How will pedestrians safely cross Grant Street?
Q: Where will rodeos be held?
Q: What will happen to the facility during construction?
Q: How many RV spaces are available in the Master Plan?
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the National Guard Armory still be relocated?
Q: What happens to the revenue surplus that may be generated by new facilities?
Q: What is the Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force?
A: The Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force is a committee of 15 appointed community members representing various groups and industries from all geographic regions of the County. It was created by the Washington County Board of Commissioners in March 2007 and is led by Chairman Tom Brian and Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes.
Q: Why was the Task Force formed?
A: The Washington County Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force was charged with recommending a new plan for the 101-acre County Fair Complex property located at NE Cornell Rd. and NE 34th Ave. in Hillsboro.
Q: What is the property being used for now?
A: The most well-known events currently taking place at the property include the Hillsboro Air Show and the Washington County Fair. The property is a valuable asset that is currently underutilized. It offers a unique opportunity to serve the exhibition and civic event needs of all Washington County residents.
Q: Who owns the Fairgrounds?
A: The complex is located in Hillsboro’s city limits. The County owns the rights, usage and land. The Fairgrounds Revitalization Master Plan is a Washington County project and the city of Hillsboro is a partner.
Q: What has the Task Force accomplished?
A: The Task Force held eight public meetings in 2007. During this time, the Task Force heard from a variety of stakeholders, including current and potential users of the Fair Complex, land and transportation planners, and financial consultants. The public was invited to provide input throughout the process. In December 2007, the Task Force unanimously recommended the Fairgrounds Revitalization Master Plan.
Q: Why is the Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan important to me?
A: The goal is to revitalize the property to ensure its long-term economic viability and service to the entire community while creating an exciting place for year-round events. The plan aims to make the property a viable facility and strengthen the County’s role in the Metro region as a center for diverse educational, recreational and civic programs. It is designed to foster the County’s growing crafts, entertainment and tourist industries, while preserving Washington County’s agricultural heritage by maintaining traditional fair facilities.
Q: How will the Master Plan be implemented?
A: To ensure an efficient and fiscally prudent redevelopment of the site, the Master Plan will be implemented in four phases. The size and mix of facilities of later phases will be based on the results of earlier phases to make certain community and economic needs are met.
Phase One:
The most notable feature is the construction of a 120,000-square-foot exhibit hall to host conventions, trade shows, performing arts and other activities. There will be about 90,000-square-feet of divisible, column-free, flat-floor space and related meeting, breakout, pre-function and accessory space attracting first-class events to Washington County.
Although a pending issue, if included in the Master Plan the extension of Grant Street from NE 28th Ave. to NE Brookwood Parkway will be included in Phase One, as well as the construction of a park-like plaza connecting the exhibit hall and MAX station.
Phase Two:
In Phase Two, 11 acres of the site will be sold to the Oregon National Guard to construct a new armory of about 40,000-square-feet, a 24,000-square-foot maintenance facility and accessory facilities.
Phase Three:
The construction of a 100,000-square-foot covered pavilion to host outdoor events like concerts, rodeos, farmers markets and theatrical events is slated to take place during Phase Three. In the past, Washington County has not had a venue to accommodate such events.
Also, additional parking space, landscaping, the restoration of existing buildings and ball fields are part of Phase Three.
Phase Four:
The Master Plan reserves 15 acres east of NE 34th Ave. for a long-term use that is to be determined in the future.
Q: What is the relationship between the Task Force and the Port of Portland?
A: The Task Force has been working closely with the Portland of Portland and FAA to ensure all air safety rules and regulations are followed. Air safety is a top priority.
Q: What types of acts will the Exhibit Hall attract?
A: The exhibit hall is the ideal size to attract cultural, community-centered educational events, trade shows and conventions. The exhibit hall will not be in direct competition with any of Portland’s event centers.
Q: What items are imminent?
A: The extension of Grant Street from NE 28th Ave. to NE Brookwood Parkway is a pending issue. This extension is part of the City of Hillsboro’s transportation plan. Safety precautions are being considered to ensure the property is pedestrian friendly. This extension is also required for the National Guard armory to relocate to the Southeast corner of the property. The Grant Street extension is planned to begin in Phase One.
We are still determining how to use the future development site outlined in Phase Four. One consideration is leasing that area of the grounds to a Renaissance Festival. A subcommittee is being formed to further explore this option.
The future management structure will also be reviewed and discussed with stakeholders. A recommendation will be made when the Task Force reconvenes in the coming months.
Q: How will the Master Plan be funded?
A: The Phase One investment is an estimated $55 million and would be funded through various revenue sources, including a 30-year Washington County general obligation bond, City of Hillsboro-backed revenue bonds and city traffic impact funds. If approved, homeowners would initially pay 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, a rate that is estimated to decline each year for an average of 3 cents per $1000 over the life of the bond. Homeowners with an average assessed value of $200,000 would pay an estimated $12 for the first year of the county bond and reduced amounts in the years after that. Implementation of additional phases would depend on voter approval of Phase One.
The City of Hillsboro is a partner in this project. Hillsboro will be contributing $6,874,000 in TIF Arterial funds toward the development of Grant Street and another $3,415,000 in TIF Mass Transit funds toward the development of the light rail connection plaza. It will also be backing $5,000,000 in Limited Tax Obligation Bonds.
More details about the recommendation can be found on the Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force Web site.
Q: What are the advocacy rules pertaining to a ballot measure?
A: The Listening Bureaus are designed to solicit feedback before the Task Force makes a final recommendation to the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The presented Master Plan is only a recommendation. Although voter approval of a ballot measure would be required for Phase One to be implemented, the Board of County Commissioners has not referred a ballot measure to the voters yet.
Q: What is the relationship between the Fairgrounds and the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation?
A: For many years, the City of Hillsboro and Washington County had a lease agreement allowing the City to use the ballfields and tennis courts at the County-owned fairgrounds. The original lease has expired but the City continues to use the fields and tennis courts in accordance with the operational requirements of the original lease.
Q: What are the details in of the City of Hillsboro's ball field lease agreement?
A: Under the terms of the original lease, the cost to lease the fields is negligible. The City pays for all field and court maintenance and any expenses related to use of the fields. As part of the Phase One funding, the City will issue a $5 million limited tax obligation bond. In addition, the City will commit $6.8 million in collector Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) funds for the expansion of Grant Street and $3.4 million in transit Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) funds to build the plaza. The City's contribution will serve as an upfront 30-year lease payment on the existing ballfields.
Q: What happens to the lease if the Phase One funding is not successful?
A: If Phase One is not implemented, the City will probably want to re-negotiate the lease. Though the City is very interested in continued use of the ballfields, budget constraints may affect the future of the lease arrangement.
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the Grant Street extension project go forward?
A: The Grant Street extension is part of Phase One, but is not dependent upon County general obligation bond funding. The Grant Street project is part of the City's transportation plan and would occur when any development takes place on the fairgrounds.
Q: What is the seating capacity of the 120,000-square-foot facility planned for the first phase?
A: Existing centers of this size can seat 6,000 people. This facility will accommodate a number of events that attract a large audience, including local graduation ceremonies that are currently held outside of Washington County.
Q: How will pedestrians safely cross Grant Street?
A: The use of speed tables, street pattern designs and pedestrian-crossing signals will be designed to ensure the safety of site-users. The County will work with the City to explore safety features including street closure policies to address large events warranting re-routing of traffic.
Q: Where will rodeos be held?
A: Rodeos and other outdoor events can be held in the covered pavilion, which would be built in Phase Three. In the interim, the rodeo will be held in the current arena.
Q: What will happen to the facility during construction?
A: The timeline for construction will need to be developed after the Task Force has issued its recommendations. Implementation of the master plan recommended by the Task Force would be contingent upon countywide voter approval of the 30-year general obligation bond anticipated in Phase One.
Q: How many RV spaces are available in the Master Plan?
A: There are 38 RV parking stalls planned as part of Phase Three to the west of Heritage Commons. Other aspects of Phase Three include restoration of existing buildings, additional athletic fields and a 100,000-square-foot covered pavilion.
Q: If Phase One is not implemented, will the National Guard Armory still be relocated?
A: The National Guard has indicated that the current facility does not meet the minimum security criteria and parking needs for their long-term use. The Guard has expressed its intent to collaborate with Washington County and the City of Hillsboro to designate property for replacement of the Hillsboro Armory, while ensuring that any new property is sufficient to accommodate their facility requirements.
Q: What happens to the revenue surplus that may be generated by new facilities?
A: Any net operating revenue from the revitalized facilities would be part of the budget for the new events center. The capital funds involved (traffic impact fees, general obligation bond, etc.) would be controlled by the respective jurisdictions in charge of these revenues, in this case the City of Hillsboro and Washington County.
Have more questions? Please contact us.
More details about the recommendation can be found on the Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force Web site.
More details about the recommendation can be found on the Fairgrounds Revitalization Task Force Web site.
