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Pla n Fra mework <br />Long-range Community Goals Benefiting Tourism <br />ln developing the tourism plan, the strategic plan committee and key stakeholders discussed several long-range goals that go beyond the scope of this plan. These recomrendations are importaniior tourism inthe long-term and benefit the community overall. Some of the following are addressed in other city plansor are within the scope of other departments. <br />1) Downtown development. Ellensburg's downtown is a major visitor attraction as well as being acommunity gathering place. Efforts should continue to encourage the development of businJsses andamenities that serve both visitors and comrnunity. The new plaza will be a great improvement fordowntown. Continue to strive to create a downtown that is iestive every dly, not just during events. <br />2l Transportation. Ellensburg is car-dependent and this has implications for attracting travelers whodon't own cars or those traveling greater distances. Nearby destinations such as yJkima andwenatchee have air and train access. once in Ellensburg, tiavelers have access to Uber, Lyft and taxiservice. However, the service is not always available or reliable. <br />a) Continue work to make private and eventually commercial flights possible into Bowers FieldAirport. <br />b) Explore bike or scooter sharing opportunities. <br />c) Expand CentralTransit to visitor destinations. <br />3) lnterchange beautification and signage. Ellensburg,s ,,front door,, off l-90 reflects little of the charmand character to be found in the downtown. ln addition to wayfinding signage, it would be beneficialto look at the "curb appeal" of these entrances and implemeni a ptarito-ma-ke'improvements. <br />4l Development of a conference center. This is_ a long-term goalthat will require a feasibility study.Growth of the meetings tourism program will help determine the timing of this study. <br />5) Development of a large-scate recreation center, This long-term goal will require a feasibility study.While it would largely benefit the community, there would be tourism beneiits as well. <br />6l Development of a large-scale performance center. This may be done in conjunction with the reccenter. The community and university need a larger venue for events that is not weather-dependent. <br />Large events are a major attraction for visitors. <br />City of Ellensburg <br />Five-Year Tourisrn Strategic plan <br />2019 <br />77