Travel Oregon Awards $500,000 in Competitive Grant Funds to Osborn Aquatic Center

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, has awarded $500,000 to the Osborn Aquatic Center through the agency’s 2026 Competitive Grants Program.

Travel Oregon’s Competitive Grants Program awards eligible applicants for projects that contribute to the development and improvement of communities throughout Oregon by means of the enhancement, expansion and promotion of the visitor industry. Eligible applicants include local governments, port districts, federally recognized tribes and non-profit entities registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Corvallis School District has been awarded $500,000 to fund completion of improvements to upgrade and reopen the Osborn Aquatic Center, which houses Oregon’s only indoor 50-meter competition pool. Awarded funds will unlock the facility’s full potential as a driver of visitor spending and economic activity, particularly during off-peak tourism months, November to April. The Aquatic Center is projected to host approximately 12 competitive aquatic events in 2028, generating approximately 2,000 hotel room nights, and will enable Oregon to host both short- and long-course competitions with seating for more than 1,000 spectators.

“We are very appreciative of the support from Travel Oregon. This funding will have long-lasting statewide economic impact,” said Ryan Noss, Superintendent, Corvallis School District. “It will allow our community to welcome competitive swimmers and their families from across the West Coast, providing critical local business support. As we look forward to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the renovated pool will continue to provide support for athletes at all levels of competition.”

For more information on the project, visit: Osborn Aquatic Center Updates