blank- LT-SS-2020-003-Ellensburg-Downtown Parks

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Research and Discovery: Executive lnterviews Executive lnterviews Stakeholders from the city, business, the chamber, the university, downtown association and local arts, events and historical organizations in Ellensburg were interviewed for input into this plan. lnterview candidates were identified by the strategic plan committee. JayRay reached out to more than 20 candidates and conducted 16 interviews. Questions focused on these key areas;goals, positioning, audiences, resources and success factors. Learnings Goals Ellensburg seeks to grow tourism into an increasingly important economic driver, while not sacrificing the relaxed, small-town atmosphere that makes it so attractive to residents and visitors alike. Ratherthan be a 'tourist town" like Leavenworth, Poulsbo or other destinations, it seeks to offer an authentic small-town experience enlivened by the presence of a vibrant university culture and punctuated by regular festivals and events that earn it a reputation for "always having something going on." ln additional to leisure tourism, Ellensburg's location, affordability and facilities make it a good fit for small-to-medium sized group activities from conferences to youth and adult sports tournaments. Positioning (how visitors think of Ellensburg, distinct from other weekend getaways) Ellensburg is stillvery much what it has been-a relaxing, friendly small ranching and college town. lt's on its way to becoming more artsy (musig galleries, craft beer/cuisine), but it hasn't fully leaned into any one of the arts. lt also has tremendous recreational opportunities and natural beauty, not only for the avid outdoorsman, but for the Sunday nature walker, the once-a-year kayaker and the recreational cyclist, lt's a town that likes variety, with some event or festival happening most weekends, lt's centrally located and affordable. The rodeo is still its most well-known event. lf Ellensburg were to more clearly distinguish itself from its destination competition, the most common positions rnentioned by stakeholders wer€: r 'There's always something happening" events town r "Western heritage" town. "A place to escape" town r "Meet in the middle" town City of Ellensburg Five-Year Tourisnr 5trategic Plan quoTEs oF NoTE "Unlike Leavenworth or Winthrop, the activities change so there's a reeson to come back, We always have some fun octivity going on," "You can't have festivals all the time, but you can hove a festive atmosphere all the time, Ellensburg should have mare street vendors and the city needs to help make that happen," "The rodeo is still very important, but the westetn theme for Ellensburg is waning, Our culture has chsnged; we dre mare and more intluenced by the college and by the "wet" side," "l'd like to see us play up the Western way of life. I see us appealing to the city dwellers who lind the country life appealing," z0t9