PRAIRIE CITY — “Rich in history and rich in neighborly compassion” is how Taci Philbrook describes life in Prairie City.

Philbrook, who is the town’s city recorder, said, “The sense of community camaraderie is like no other.”

Prairie City lies at the eastern end of the John Day Valley, in the shadow of Strawberry Mountain, and on the fringes of the Blue Mountains to the northeast.

With a population of 910, the town is the second largest in Grant County.

A full range of services are available for both residents and visitors, including groceries, hardware, gift and coffee shops, banks, lodging, camping, gas, several restaurants, a mini mart and even a laundromat.

An abundance of year-round outdoor recreation is nearby. The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness to the south across the valley, Dixie Butte and the Dixie Rope Tow to the east and Magone Lake, about 35 miles to the northwest, all offer fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and camping enjoyment for all ages.

Bates State Park, one of the newest in Oregon, is about 20 miles to the northeast. One of only two state parks in Grant County, it was established on the site of the former lumber town of Bates and commemorates the history and memory of the town, while offering overnight recreational opportunities.

Prairie City has not one but two parks. City Park in the center of town, with an adjoining picnic area next to city hall, and Depot Park, at Bridge and Main streets, which is also home to Depot RV Park and the Sumpter Valley Railway Depot Museum.

The community also has two gathering places for meetings, events and family functions. In 2011, the building that had been the longtime home to the United Methodist Church became the Prairie City Community Center. And as of Jan. 1 this year, the Prairie City senior citizens group took ownership of the Strawberry Grange hall and changed its name to the Prairie City Senior Center. Senior meals, which are open to the community, will continue to be held there at noon on Wednesdays.

The tight-knit community has several energetic groups who keep residents and visitors busy with activities and events throughout the year, including the Grant County Fourth of July festivities. The Prairie City Community Association, Talents and Treasures, Green Thumb Garden Club and American Legion and Auxiliary No. 106 all strive to improve the community’s lifestyle and spirit.

Philbrook, who has been the city recorder since July 2014, said one of the things she enjoys most in her job is watching an idea start at the city council level and then come to fruition.

“Knowing I am part of the process that betters Prairie City warms my heart,” Philbrook said.

City officials include mayor Jim Hamsher, mayor pro-tem Georgia Patterson and councilors Carole Garrison, Les Church, Henry Goslin, Dottie Miller and Viola Rose.

Philbrook noted some of the humorous calls that sometimes come in to city hall — the kind that “big city” city halls don’t get, she said. Some are regarding critters — neighbors’ mules gone astray from across town or annoying woodpeckers hammering on the house. She said one caller wanted advice on the shortest route to Hood River.

Recent city happenings include the acquisition of an ambulance from Blue Mountain Hospital, facelifts for Depot RV Park and Museum, the start of a “Lids for Kids” program and the closure of the town’s landfill.

Changes are planned for 2016, too, Philbrook said, including a street repaving project, upgrades to the city’s sewer project, and in conjunction with the Strawberry Historical Association, a visitor’s interpretive kiosk will be erected, highlighting the area’s rich history.

She said the city will also launch an “Adopt a Project” program and plans to hold a city surplus sale.

Prairie City School, with a current enrollment of 143 in grades K-12, plus preschool, offers a voc/ag program, an active FFA chapter and a complete athletics program for both boys and girls.

Prairie City’s roots lie in the mining, lumber and railroad industries. It was preceded by another community, Dixie Town, which sprang up in the summer of 1862 along Dixie Creek which runs along the north and west side of town. The young mining town was located about 3.5 miles north of present-day Prairie City.

Incorporated in 1891, Prairie City’s original business section was in the northeast part of town, in the area of North Main and East Third streets. In 1910, the Sumpter Valley Railway in Baker City extended service to Prairie City which operated until 1933.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month.

City hall hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Call 541-820-3605 for more information.

Learn more about Prairie City at www.prairiecityoregon.com or visit Prairie City Oregon-Events on Facebook.