The sixty-mile route along the McKenzie Highway is an Oregon gem and was once a thriving economic engine for the small towns from Springfield up to Belnap Springs. Small businesses, stores, restaurants, tourism operations and small inns were the hallmark of this engaging area along the McKenzie River.

For the past several years leading up to Labor Day in 2020, local community organizations have been working on a project to develop branded signage along the McKenzie Highway to delineate and define the economic region. The Holiday Farm Fire in September of 2020 put a temporary stop to this project but much planning and work went into creating a clearly defined economic area.

In May 2022 working with the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, the McKenzie Community Partnership secured $150,000 for the gateway signs project. We will keep working to realize the project fully as well as focusing on other vital economic projects to ensure a healthy recovery for local businesses.