The Harney County Community Center
opened for meetings and events in
December 2008.
Former Congressman, Bob Smith and
wife Kay, donated the building to the
Harney County Opportunity Team
(HCOT) in 2001, and this was the beginning
of our dream. The next seven years
were spent in fundraising and remodeling
to create a much needed community
center for Burns, Hines and the outlying
communities.
The beautiful facility was made possible through the generosity of our local citizens, businesses, Harney County Court, the Cities of Burns and Hines and the following foundations and organizations:
- The Ford Family Foundation
- The Meyer Memorial Trust
- The Collins Foundation
- Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust
- M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
- Jeld Wen Foundation
- The Oregon Community Foundation
- The Autzen Foundation
- Henry Hillman Foundation
- John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival
- Cycle Oregon
The Harney County Community Center provides a state of the art meeting facility for local, state and regional meetings and events.
A large meeting room that will serve approximately 100
people was designed with a room divider to create two smaller meeting spaces. The facility includes a kitchen, public restrooms and an information counter and display area, which is staffed by the Harney County Chamber of Commerce.
Each of the meeting rooms is equipped with an overhead projector and a full size, pull down screen. The meeting room has telephone conferencing capabilities.
Rectangular and round tables offer optional setup designs that provide plenty of work space for either an auditorium or classroom seating arrangement. Having the option of rectangular or round tables is also a benefit when setting up for parties and events. There is ample room for formal place settings and centerpieces, while maintaining a cozy atmosphere for dining and conversation.
Community Center Kitchen Facilities
The kitchen is equipped with two electric ranges with spacious ovens, a large microwave, side-by-side refrigerator/freezer and a commercial dishwasher. There is a generous stainless steel 
work counter along with counter space. Rental of the kitchen includes the use of all appliances, dinnerware and table service.
Community Center Events & Activities
Since opening, the Community Center has been the venue for a variety of events and activities including:
- Migratory Bird Festival
- Christmas Bazaar
- Weddings & Anniversary Parties
- Senior Prom
- Wine Tasting
- Quilt Show
- Community Meetings
Available Equipment & Services
The following additional equipment and services are available at a minimal cost:
- Sound System
- Linen Table Cloths & Napkins
- Coffee
- Faxing
- Photocopying
To reserve the Community Center or to obtain more information regarding availability and fee schedules, please contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce at 541-573-2636 or email:info@harneycounty.com.
Follow this link to view and print the Harney County Community Center brochure.
Downtown Plaza
Creating a Plaza in downtown Burns is the newest project being undertaken by the Harney County Opportunity Team. In July of 2011, the former Arrowhead lot, owned by Bill and Ulaberl Allen, was generously donated to the Harney County Opportunity Team. This was the foundation for fulfilling a dream of the Harney County Opportunity Team to provide a downtown Plaza for the community. HCOT’s desire is to create an attractive respite; where our local citizens can stop and take a break when downtown shopping, a rest stop for visitors and a venue for community events. The Plaza, which will be known as the Arrowhead Plaza, will be conveniently located across the street from the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. This will provide easy access to maps and information about our area, enticing visitors to stay a little longer or, perhaps, to plan a return visit to Harney County.
Several ideas have been discussed including a small amphitheater at the east end for music events and educational and scientific lectures. Creating a place for a permanent community Christmas tree has also been a topic of discussion. HCOT is also determining how we can utilize the Arrowhead Plaza to depict our western culture and heritage. However, the first step in the process is to obtain a conceptual design or architectural drawings. Detailed drawings are necessary for discussions with individual donors and particularly, for foundations. The design will also provide us with the information necessary in determining the actual cost of the project.
Arrowhead Plaza Design Phase Donation Form, fill out the form and send it in with your donation. The Harney County Opportunity Team is a 501(c) (3) organization, and your donation is entirely tax deductible.
