A good idea stands the test of time!

Court Plaza Project

History of the Project

In 1982, the idea for a parks-based community revitalization and connection project began with a local student, but was quickly adopted by the City and community. The plan was established to connect the downtown to Geiser-Pollman Park and various pockets parks by following the Powder River through town. Over the past forty years, this plan was slowly completed through the creation of the Leo Adler Parkway, the creation of Central Park, and now finally Court Plaza. Between 2005 and 2009, public input was conducted to help guide the redevelopment of Resort Street and plan Court Plaza. In 2013, the section of road that became Court Plaza was cut off from the City street system and in 2015 it was rezoned as a City park for future development. In 2019, BCD formally partnered with the City to help bring this final piece of the project to fruition. Ford Family Foundation awarded BCD a small grant to hire an engineer to develop updated plans, which were completed and approved in 2023. Beginning in 2024, the City and BCD began seeking capital improvement grants to generate the seed money to get the project to construction. We are excited to announce that the City of Baker City won a LGGP parks grant from the State of Oregon in Fall 2024 to fund 60% of the estimated $1.3 million project budget. BCD also won a Leo Adler Foundation Grant to fund 10% of the required match. BCD continues to seek large grants to help cover the rest of the match, but we need your help to get us there!

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More information on each of these grants can be found in in the links below:

  • Oregon Parks & Recreation Dept. LGGP Grant

    • The Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) is a voter approved, State lottery funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Typically, the program awards over $5 million annually to qualified projects, and has awarded over $60 million in grant funding since the program began in 1999.

  • Baker County Transient Lodging Tax Tourism-Related Facility Grant

    • Baker County imposes a lodging tax assessed on the sale or charge made for furnishings of lodging according to ORS 320.300 to ORS 320.365. In accordance with the tax and Oregon Revised Statutes and Baker County Ordinance 2019-01, a Transient Lodging Tax Committee (TLTC) has also been established. The committees’ purpose is to advise and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners how taxes on lodging should be allocated to support tourism which in turn generates revenue.

    • The Tourism-Related Facility Grant Funds shall be used in support of tourism-related facilities (public or non-profit only) located within Baker County to increase economic growth and/or the impact of tourism in Baker County. This program is administered by the Baker County Administrative Services Office with funding recommendations by the Transient Lodging Tax Committee (TLTC). Final approval of funding is made by the Baker County Board of Commissioners.

  • Leo Adler Foundation Community Fund Grant

    • The Leo Adler Foundation Community Fund provides annual grants to charitable organizations in arts and humanities, education, health, social and historical welfare, children and youth, civic and environmental causes, and other fields. The Community Fund focus parallels Leo Adler’s interests during his lifetime and the potential impact for Baker County and North Powder.

  • D.E. & Jane Clark Fund of Oregon Community Foundation Grant

    • Oregon Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. As a statewide community foundation we work alongside donors, stewarding their priorities into strategic giving to support diverse communities across Oregon, creating lasting, transformative change.

    • The D.E. & Jane Clark Fund of Oregon Community Foundation was established in 2013 to support charitable purposes in Baker County and the town of North Powder. The average grant size is $2,500. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, churches and schools. Proposals are reviewed by a committee and grants are awarded in fall.

Funding Progress:

Help us reach our goal!

Thank you for considering us worthy of your donation. Completing the Court Plaza project is a top priority for our downtown and community, and kind donations are what help us achieve our shared goals.

5% Cover the Fee

 Thank you to our Sponsors!

  • donate today to see your name here!

  • donate today to see your name here!

    • American Legion Post #41

    • VFW Post 3048

    • Orchard Wood Products, Inc.

    • Lisa Paulson

    • John Runyon

    • Mind Body Yoga LLC

    • Gregg & Jo Hinrichsen & Families

    • Carol Phillips

    • Mulan Garden

    • Matt Dickinson

    • Christopher Rosevear

    • Ruth Rush Helus

    • Megan Evans

    • Gilbert Tarin

    • Joann Marlette

    • John Miner

    • Michael Hoff

    • Nancy Zelick

    • Wanda Raffety

    • Julee Hicks

    • Terry Nelson

    • Baker Vision Clinic

    • Stephanie Mays