|
For years, Hermiston residents have consistently said a year-round place to swim and recreate is one of their top priorities. An indoor Health, Aquatics and Wellness Center would fulfill that vision by offering recreation, fitness and wellness opportunities for people of all ages and abilities throughout the year.
This isn't a new idea. In fact, it’s been part of Hermiston's long-term vision for nearly a decade.
During the City's 2016 Livable Hermiston visioning process, more than 2,200 residents participated in surveys, interviews, public meetings and focus groups to help shape our community's future. One of the strongest themes to emerge was the need for an indoor aquatics and recreation facility. That priority has continued to be reinforced through subsequent planning efforts, including City Council goals, a professional feasibility and programming study, and the City's Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Plan. In that plan, indoor aquatics was identified as the community's top recreation priority, with 60% of survey respondents ranking it as their number one need.
That’s why we're taking the next step this summer.
The City has partnered with Umatilla County, neighboring communities, schools, healthcare providers and other organizations to explore the feasibility of developing a regional Health, Aquatics and Wellness Center. Since September 2024, a task force has been evaluating community needs, looking at successful facilities around the region, identifying potential locations in Hermiston and exploring funding models to support a local facility long term. Our goal is to determine how to create a facility that is both financially sustainable and designed to serve our growing region for decades to come.
| |
As we move forward, we want to hear your voice. The next phase of planning focuses on community feedback. We're asking residents to complete several brief online surveys about the amenities you'd like to see, membership and pricing options and your overall thoughts on the project so far. Your input will help shape the recommendations the task force brings forward.
This project has always been driven by the community. Now is your opportunity to help define what it becomes.
Please take a few minutes to complete the surveys at www.hermiston.gov/aquatic-center. Together, we can build a facility that promotes health, recreation, and community for generations to come.
| |
Summer Road and Utilities Work Update
There are two major projects underway in Hermiston that will disrupt traffic through July and beyond. Both are significant parts of Hermiston’s Capital Improvement Plan, which helps the city prioritize projects with the highest need and save money through efficient planning and reduced maintenance costs.
Orchard Avenue is closed between West 7th Street and West 11th Street while crews replace the water main, fire hydrants and valves. Some steel pipes in the area were installed in the 1920s and this project upgrades those with 8-inch ductile iron lines. Traffic will be disrupted through the summer, but crews will do their best to maintain local access for residents and businesses in the area.
The intersection of Geer, Harper, South First Place and the Union Pacific rail line is getting a significant overhaul, which will improve traffic flow and safety. The intersection will be closed for several months, and the rail crossing isn’t expected to open until spring 2027. The recycling depot will remain open during construction and accessible from Harper Avenue.
Learn more about these and other capital improvement projects at www.hermistonprojects.com
| |
Curbside Recycling Starts in July
Recycling bins were delivered to Hermiston households in June, and Hermiston’s curbside recycling program will officially begin July 6.
Attached to each blue bin was a short instruction guide including pickup days and recyclable materials (see above). Recycling pick up is every other week on the same day as your trash pickup. Your personalized card shows whether your recyclables will be picked up on yellow or black weeks.
If you didn’t receive a recycling bin, please contact Sanitary Disposal at 541-567-8842.
Do you have more questions about how recycling and waste removal works in Hermiston? Visit https://www.hermiston.gov/publicworks/page/garbage-recycling-services.
| |
Housing Permits on the Rise in 2026
The City of Hermiston has issued 165 housing permits so far in 2026. Most of those came from 113 apartment units at The Hub on Diagonal Road and Liberty Village on Newport Avenue. Single-family homes also remain on pace with recent years, with 52 permits issued through May.
At the current rate, the City is on pace to issue more than 200 housing permits in 2026, compared with 130 permits in 2025. If The Hub pulls permits for additional buildings later this year, that total could climb significantly higher.
The Hub is a market-rate apartment development that will include 276 units at full buildout. Liberty Village is a 17-unit development that will provide housing for homeless veterans.
The City is continuing to work on updating its housing code to comply with Oregon’s new laws. You can learn more at www.hermiston.gov/middle-housing.
Local Primary Election Results Are Official
The Hermiston City Council has certified the results of the May local primary election, confirming the election of councilors Krista Van Veen (Ward I), Roy Barron (Ward II), Barbara Martin (Ward III), David McCarthy (Ward IV) and Municipal Judge Cameron Bendixsen. Their four-year terms begin in January 2027.
Overall voter turnout was 24.6% of registered Hermiston voters, less than the countywide turnout of 32.9%.
Meanwhile, signatures have been submitted for a petition to allow retail marijuana sales in Hermiston. The Umatilla County Elections Division is processing 2,866 signatures, and 1,709 valid signatures from registered Hermiston voters are required to refer the measure to voters in November.
| |
Hermiston Then and Now
Want to see how much Hermiston has changed over the years? We've framed a pair large-scale aerial photos that show the town from approximately the same angle in the middle of the 20th century and spring of 2026, taken by James Creason with Basin Ag Imaging.
The only problem — we're not quite sure when the older photo was taken! If you remember Hermiston back in the day, please stop by the second floor of City Hall and help us figure out the exact year of our historic photo based on buildings and landmarks you can spot. Even if you don't know Hermiston's history that well, it's worth a look.
In the news
-
The Oregon Department of Transportation has reduced speed limits on Highway 395 through Hermiston. New signs have been installed and the new limits are now in effect. (Read more in the Hermiston Herald)
-
The City of Hermiston and Hermiston Rotary Club installed a Rotary Peace Pole at the east entrance to City Hall across from the Hermiston Public Library, with the phrase "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written in eight languages. (Read more in the East Oregonian)
-
Kennison Field, which hosts a variety of sports and activities at Hermiston High School, is getting a new playing surface this summer. The original turf was installed in 2013. (Read more in the East Oregonian)
| | |
City Council Adopts Budget for 2026-27
The Hermiston City Council approved the City's fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the Urban Renewal Agency budget during its June 8 meeting. This action included accepting state funding, establishing reserve funds, approving the city compensation plan and adopting the proposed budget document.
The adopted all-funds budget totals $123.1 million and reflects the City's commitment to maintaining essential services, investing in infrastructure and supporting the priorities established by the City Council during its January 2026 goal-setting session.
Although the overall budget is approximately 4% lower than last year, that decrease is largely due to the completion of major capital projects, including the new Public Library and Public Safety Center, as well as the completion of one-time transfers related to the creation of the Building Department Fund. The adopted budget also includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and introduces longevity pay to recognize long-serving staff.
You can view the adopted budget and learn more about how City funds are invested by visiting the City of Hermiston website.
| | |
City Council Meeting for June 8 (Watch the meeting)
-
Initiated and declared intent to form a Local Improvement District (LID) for East Jennie Avenue to extend the road to accommodate new housing development. (Read the staff report)
-
Affirmed a Planning Commission decision to approve Henry K’s Subdivision Phase 4 Preliminary Plat on Southeast Columbia Drive. (Read the staff report)
-
Confirmed the appointment of Ann Minton to the Budget Committee.
-
Approved a liquor license for Circle K.
City Council Meeting for June 22 (Watch the meeting)
-
Referred City Charter amendments to the November 2026 election. (Read the staff report)
-
Renewed and amended contracts to provide IT services to Milton-Freewater, Pilot Rock, Echo, Morrow County and Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District. (Read the staff report)
-
Certified the results of the May 2026 primary election. (Read the staff report)
-
Accepted right of way deed for the Horizon Project to construct affordable housing on East Theater Lane.
-
Received the May financial report. (Read the report)
-
Recommended the appointments of Erick Peterson to the Library Board, Hawley Hawkes to the EOTEC Advisory Committee and Budget Committee, and re-appointment of Jessica De La Cruz to the Hispanic Advisory Committee.
| |
JULY 2026 MEETINGS
-
Airport Advisory Committee, July 1, 4 p.m., Hermiston Municipal Airport
-
Planning Commission, July 8, 7 p.m., City Hall
-
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, July 9, 5:30 p.m., Hermiston Community Center
-
City Council, July 13, 7 p.m., City Hall
-
Library Board, July 22, 5 p.m. Hermiston Library
-
City Council, July 27, 6 p.m., City Hall
The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the . Learn more and apply to join.
| |
Celebrate America's 250th with Us!
The City of Hermiston is packed with Fourth of July events, starting with a 3v3 Stars & Stripes Basketball Tournament and concluding with a fireworks spectacular at Butte Park.
Joins us for food, vendors, entertainment, and family fun at Butte Park for the annual Stars & Stripes Celebration. And if you're looking for some of the best views in the city, check out the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center Pool Party at 6 p.m.
| | The City of Hermiston is in the early stages of developing the Health, Aquatics & Wellness Center, a facility designed to promote health, wellness, and indoor recreation for residents of all ages and abilities. Your voice is essential during this process as we identify what features and amenities will best serve our shared vision for an active, engaged community. | | UMATILLA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1 | |
Station 21 Open and Operational
Thank you to everyone who joined Umatilla County Fire District #1 for the Station 21 Open House! It was a pleasure welcoming community members into our newly renovated station to tour the facility, meet your firefighters and paramedics, explore our fire engines, ambulances, and specialized equipment, and learn more about the lifesaving services we provide every day.
Station 21 has proudly served the Hermiston community since 1971, and we're excited to continue serving from a modernized facility designed to support our crews and meet the community's needs for decades to come.
If you weren't able to attend the open house but would like to tour Station 21 or learn more about the work of your firefighters and paramedics, we'd be happy to schedule a visit.
Thank you for your continued support. We are grateful to serve such an engaged and supportive community, and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.
| | | | |
