Salem's citizens have been fortunate to have such a variety of beautiful park areas. In 1950, there were eight park areas totaling 113 acres. The park system has grown to 42 developed parks encompassing 1,584 acres. Additionally, the City maintains 96.2 acres of landscape areas throughout the community. The city's park system includes 34 neighborhood-oriented parks that meet the basic close-to-home park needs, along with our community and large urban parks which provide a larger variety of park facilities and areas for Salem's many organized recreation and leisure activities.
By far the largest park is Minto-Brown Island Park, which encompasses nearly 900 acres. About 240 acres of this park are leased for farming, of which 40 to 80 acres are specifically planted for wildlife feeding. The remainder is a balance between natural areas and a reservable picnic area, along with approximately 12 miles of paved and soft trails for bicycle and pedestrian use.
Bush's Pasture Park , 95 acres of open space in the heart of central Salem, is one of Salem's two oldest parks and includes Bush House and Deepwood House and Gardens, two of Salem's historic properties. The houses are open to visitors on a scheduled basis. The park also has many other recreational opportunities, is home to the Salem Art Association at the Bush Barn, and is the site for the annual Salem Art Fair held each July.
Riverfront Park, Salem's newest park, is located on 22 acres next to downtown Salem and adjacent to the Willamette River. This park has long been a dream of Salem citizens. It features a dramatically sited outdoor amphitheater, a major children's playground, large festival lawn sites, a path system that circles the park, and picnic and park bench sites along the many overlooks of the river.
The north end of the park incorporates the A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, including a children's science museum and science discovery playground. Salem's Riverfront Carousel was completed by a citizen-based group in June 2001 interested in developing a carousel with hand-carved horses.
Riverfront Park has been designed for its citizens and local events, but will also be able to serve as a regional event site that benefits all of Salem.
Salem is also considered the "Softball Capital of Oregon", with its beautiful sports complex and softball leagues at Wallace Marine Park . This park is also the major access point for boating on the Willamette River.
All of Salem's parks are special, and many community volunteers spend thousands of hours each year helping keep Salem's parks safe and enjoyable places for all age groups. Salem is also fortunate to have a cooperative relationship with the Salem-Keizer School District. This relationship has helped in the joint acquisition and development of many city/school parks, saved capital funds for both jurisdictions, and reduced costly duplication of recreational facilities.
Salem has received the Tree City U.S.A. award annually since 1976. Our commitment to planting and caring for trees contributes to the natural beauty of the city as a whole.
|
