Photo by Tim Hirsch

KIAWANDA COMMUNITY CENTER’S former “Fireside Room” is the new home of of a Visitors’ Center. Pictured above, l-r, are Amanda Graves, KCC event coordinator, Kim Sheehan, KCC volunteer, and Kris Rooke, KCC board president. Pictured below are Nestucca Valley High school students and their teachers who built the racks that will hold items like informational brochures and pamphlets that the public can use to discover more about the Pacific City area and what it offers.

A Jumping Off Point for Coastal Adventures

Kiawanda Community Center is welcoming all
to its new Visitors’ Center

Visitors — and locals, too — take note, Pacific City now is home to a new spot for those seeking information about the coast and its local attractions.

The Kiawanda Community Center recently announced the availability of its brand-new Visitors’ Interaction Center.

Located in the heart of Pacific City at 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City — just north of the west side of Beachy Bridge (Pacific Avenue) —  officials are hailing it as an exciting addition that comes thanks to what they describe as a refreshing revitalization of KCC’s Fireside Room. They say it transforms the room into a modern and inviting space for both locals and visitors alike.

Integral to making the project a reality was a a grant from the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association together with support from local partners such as Roby’s Furniture, G3 Electric, Atomic Drywall, the Nestucca High School metal shop and welding program, DuChene Construction, Haltiner Fireplace & Heating, and the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. KCC representatives say these organizations’ partnership with the KCC Board, as well as their dedication to the effort, have ensured that the Visitors’ Center reflects the unique charm and warmth of our coastal community.

The newly renovated space aims to provide a welcoming stop for guests seeking information about the coast and local attractions. Whether those stopping by are visitors planning a coastal adventure or locals looking to stay informed about community happenings, the Visitors’ Center is what KCC is describing as the go-to destination. Guests can expect to discover a wealth of information on local events, culture, programming, pop-up markets, talented artists, and more.

“We wanted to create a welcoming and comfortable space, where residents and visitors alike can come to learn more about all that is going on in our vibrant community,” said Jeremy Strober, board member for the Kiawanda Community Center.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of community and connection within the space, where everyone feels welcome to relax, unwind, and engage with the rich tapestry of our coastal heritage,” added Amanda Graves, event coordinator of the Kiawanda Community Center. 

The aim for the Visitors’ Center is to be open five days a week, 10 a.m.-3 p.m, providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. Additionally, KCC is extending an invitation to all to learn more about the KCC and explore the many volunteer opportunities available, including opportunities to contribute to the Visitors’ Center itself.

Though it is already opened for visits and already features a wide range of printed material focused on things to do in the area as well as a small reference section that contains (not to be removed) cultural and historical literature as well as road maps, more is to come — including artwork and information on local businesses.

“The Chamber is inviting all Chamber members to drop off marketing materials that we can help distribute here,” Graves told the Sun.

The official opening celebration will be May 24 when the public is invited to join KCC for an open house from 4-6 p.m.

For more information on the new Visitors’ Center, contact Amanda Graves, event coordinator for Kiawanda Community Center at [email protected].

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