Park Chairs

Answer Key

Do you know . . .

A. How park development and maintenance are financed?

The primary source of funds for park development comes from Parks Systems Development Charges (SDC's). The use of these funds is restricted to capacity-increasing improvements, but, generally speaking, development of new parks is eligible. Secondary sources such as federal Community Development Block Grants, federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, and Oregon State Parks Local Community Grants are also used whenever possible.

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B. Where the undeveloped and developed parks are in your neighborhood association?

You can find this out by looking at a City of Salem Park Map , or looking at the City of Salem website . You can also contact  Parks Maintenance Management (503-588-6336) to find out.

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C. What the difference is between undeveloped and developed parks, and why it matters?

Developed parks have been through a process to assure sound design and specific considerations for use and maintenance. They are maintained and are safe for users. Undeveloped parks are not maintained and not meant to be used.

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D. What the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board does?

It is a group of volunteers who advise the City Council on all matters pertaining to public parks, playground, and recreational programs. Regular meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

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E. What resources are available for maintaining your neighborhood parks (i.e. where to call, who can help, and what can be done)?

There are a number of resources available. Contact Parks Maintenance Management (503-588-6336) to find out what they can do and how they can support volunteers and/or volunteer groups with tools, materials and expertise.

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F. How often the parks are maintained in the summer and in the winter?

A minimum of maintenance is done during winter months. Hazards are addressed immediately in the winter, garbage is picked up less frequently because of lighter use.

Summer maintenance is more frequent, the number of park users determines the frequency of maintenance visits. If you have a question about maintenance of a specific park, you can call the Parks Maintenance Management at 503-588-6336.

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G. What volunteers can do to help maintain parks and keep them safe?

There are a number of things that volunteers can do to help maintain parks and keep them safe. They can take walks through the park daily and be "eyes and ears", calling the Parks Maintenance Management whenever they see graffiti, vandalism, or security lighting that isn't working. They can report hazards such as broken bottles, or they can remove the hazard. They can also be trained to do playground safety checks. Volunteers can arrange projects such as weeding plant beds and applying bark. Contact the Parks Volunteer Coordinator at 503-588-6336 to find out what can be done at any given park.

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H. What a park partnership is?

A park partnership is an agreement between an individual or a group of individuals and Parks Maintenance Management to perform any number and range of duties at a specific park.

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I. Whom someone can call to get involved with a park partnership?

Call the Parks Volunteer Coordinator at 503-588-6336 to learn whether your park has a partnership that you might join, or if you want to create a partnership.

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J. Which parks in your neighborhood association have Park Partners?

Call the Parks Volunteer Coordinator at 503-588-6336 to find out if your park has a partnership.

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K. What the Park Foundation's role is, and how can someone donate to Salem parks?

The Foundation has a Board of volunteers who pursue resources to be used to promote, enhance and sustain the Salem Park system. They solicit donations and seek grant opportunities that will be used for projects determined by the Foundation.

The Foundation holds an annual fall Birthday Bash fund raising event, as well as mailing letters asking for donations. Call Parks Maintenance Management (503-588-6336) to find out how to receive a Park Foundation donation envelope or a Birthday Bash invitation.

It is important to know that a fund called The Parks Tradition Fund exists and can be utilized for smaller donations that are designated for a specific purpose. This fund is used for those who would like to contribute money for purchasing a Mutt Mitt Dispenser or dispenser refills. It can also be used for purchasing a park bench or a tree to planted as a memorial.

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