TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FOR NORTH BEND’S FUTURE

Tourist attractions for non-golfers on their way to Bandon?

If you’re not golfing, why go to Bandon?

When daddy brings the family to town and parks his jet in North Bend before heading for Bandon Dunes, what’s the family do while he’s gone?

From its inception, one of Bandon’s striking features was the way it felt both very old and very new. “American links,” was how its founders billed it, and it did seem like a vividly American creation: assimilating influences from elsewhere into something that could only exist here. 

Why not assimilate influences from elsewhere to North Bend for families on golf trips?

Maybe you’re wondering why a golfer would bring his non-golf family with him? If he’s got a jet, why not?

He’s going golfing with his buddies AND chalking up family time in case anyone asks.

“I’m not some selfish rich guy flying round to golf courses. I include my family.”

Instead of dragging them around waiting for dad to wrap things up so they can leave, why not give them something to look forward to.

Then it’s: “When are we going back to North Bend, honey?”

“First of all, we’re not going to North Bend. We just land there before going to Bandon.”

“We will stay in North Bend while you go to Bandon. Have fun because I know we will.”

One Future Of North Bend Fun

Twenty Best Places To Go With Kids.

North Bend isn’t on the list. So far.

But consider the benefit of having a destination designed for families while the dad is away with his pals.

Santa Monica Pier?

Brighton Pier?

North Bend Pier?

In the past North Bend fun was simple.

Go to the beach.

Go to the sand dunes.

Head for the woods.

Dig clams.

Go fishing.

Pick one.

Unless a big wig has a down to earth wife and kids, they won’t want to get dirty having fun.

Who wants to jet in, step off in style, and go local?

They need encouragement.

A pier is encouraging if the activities are done correctly.

North Bend Pier Tourist Attractions

First, decontaminate the land if it’s got industrial pollutants from past use.

Then lay the foundation for inside and outside fun.

Inside:

Create a ‘Bouldering Gym’ reflecting the surrounding land.

Art classes for kids:

Find the right golfer-investor to go all-in an active kid programs.

Once they buy in, the future will follow.

If the Weyerhaeuser mill site can be reinvented as a resort casino, why can’t the rest of the vacant land be reinvented as a destination pier for travelers tired of following golfers around?

It’s got the the right look.

The future fun of tourist attractions may be just on the other side of the chain link fence.

With money, imagination, more money, and community support along with more money, North Bend could be one of those places where people ask, “How did something so wonderful happen here?”

I think that same thing when I’m in North Bend with my high school classmates.

If that happens here, anything is possible.

“Meet me at The Pier,” will be the rallying cry.