Bishop Chamber of Commerce Unanimously Calls for Visitor Services to Remain at City Park – By Jason Brown

BISHOP, CA — At its most recent meeting on January 14, 2026, the Bishop Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors took a firm stand on the future of local tourism by unanimously adopting Resolution No. 2026-1. The resolution strongly urges the City of Bishop to prioritize and maintain a dedicated visitor information space within the historic grounds of Bishop City Park.

For over 50 years, the iconic “A-frame” building at the park served as the welcoming face of the Eastern Sierra. However, recent structural concerns led the City to initiate a demolition permit process in late 2025, forcing the Chamber to relocate its operations to a temporary office on South Main Street.

A Commitment to the “Front Porch” of Bishop

The Chamber’s resolution highlights that Bishop City Park is the “most central, accessible, and highly visible location” for visitors. The Board argued that a physical presence at the park is not just a matter of tradition, but an economic necessity that encourages longer stays and increased spending at local shops and restaurants.

Key points of the adopted resolution include:

• Revitalization: A formal request for the City to either repair the existing A-frame or construct a new dedicated facility at the same site.

• Collaboration: A pledge that Chamber staff will actively participate in the City’s ongoing Park Master Plan development to ensure visitor services are integrated into the park’s future.

• A Path Home: A formal commitment from the Chamber to move its visitor services back to the park as soon as a suitable space is made available.

 

Bishop Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Resolution

Urging the City of Bishop to Provide Visitor Information Services at Bishop City Park

Resolution No. 2026-1

Date: January 14, 2026

WHEREAS,

The City of Bishop serves as a primary gateway for visitors to the Eastern Sierra and surrounding public lands; and

WHEREAS,

Tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy of Bishop, supporting small businesses, lodging establishments, restaurants, outdoor recreation providers, and local employment; and

WHEREAS,

Well-located visitor information services encourage longer stays, increased visitor spending, repeat visitation, and greater awareness of local businesses and attractions; and

WHEREAS,

Visitor information services also benefit local residents by providing community information, event details, and access to local resources; and

WHEREAS,

Historically, The City of Bishop, Bishop Chamber of Commerce, and community members agreed that the Bishop City Park is the most central, accessible, and highly visible location that is best suited for providing visitor information services; and

WHEREAS,

The A-frame building located at Bishop City Park has historically served as a recognizable and appropriate facility for public-facing community services; and

WHEREAS,

Repairing the existing A-Frame or building a new space at or near the current location would create an opportunity to revitalize an existing community asset while establishing a dedicated space for information services for both Bishop visitors and local residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

That the Board of Directors of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce strongly urges the City of Bishop to include a designated space for visitor information services within Bishop City Park as a means to enhance tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen the local economy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Board of Directors strongly urges the City of Bishop to repair or rebuild the building at Bishop City Park to serve as a location for providing visitor information services to Bishop visitors and local residents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Bishop Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff will actively participate in the City of Bishop’s park master plan development process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

That if space is made available, the Bishop Chamber of Commerce is willing and committed to working collaboratively with the City of Bishop to relocate its visitor information services back to the Bishop City Park location, supporting shared goals of economic development, tourism promotion, and community engagement.

ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce on this 14th day of January, 2026.

Robert Sharp, 2025-2026 Board President Bishop Chamber of Commerce