History
In 1952, the South Salem Chamber of Commerce purchased 6 1/2 acres of land from Dr. and Mrs. A.D. Woodmansee. The Chamber held many fund raising activities to help pay for the land. In 1957, to make the final payment, the Chamber sold 1 1/2 acres of land to the Salem Heights Water District. In 1960, the South Salem Chamber of Commerce was dissolved and the land was deeded to Marion County with the stipulation that the land be developed as a park and it be named Woodmansee.
Marion County developed two graveled parking areas, installed four pieces of play equipment, a drinking fountain, sign, wood chip paths and pit toilets which are still in existence today. Welfare crews were used extensively wherever possible to keep the total development cost low.
In 1964, the area was annexed to the City and Marion County transferred ownership of the land to the City of Salem. The City added a 7.09 acre parcel north of the park in that same year. The following year the City constructed a shelter building. In 1975, Mrs. A.D. Woodmansee donated funds to purchase and install some wooden play equipment which is a fun attraction for the neighborhood youngsters.
Woodmansee is a popular community park area, enhanced by the natural beauty of oak trees, a stream running through the park and the ball fields at the adjacent Judson Junior High School site. The Park and Recreation Technical Study recommends that Woodmansee be expanded to a Community Park by acquiring vacant land south of the park.
Disc Golf Effort Underway!
The Downtown Starbucks coffee shop contacted Parks Operations Division, met with the Faye Wright Neighborhood Association, and submitted a plan to add a beginner's 9-hole disc golf course in the unimproved area of Woodmansee Park. They are currently looking for sponsors. For additional information, contact Jim Barnhardt at 503-569-0249.
 
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