Riverfront Park Playground Renovation Update

The proposed renovation and expansion of the Riverfront Park Playground is now complete in the design and documentation phase. Both the construction drawings and necessary project documentation are finished.

The new playground will feature an expanded footprint and accessible elements, creating a welcoming play environment for children of varying abilities. Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months, and we are setting a goal for the playground to be opened by the end of spring 2026 or early summer 2026.

We thank the community for their valuable input on the final design and will provide updates when construction milestones are reached.

The City of Salem is starting a new project to plan for the future of the Wallace Natural Area. This park unit is next to Wallace Marine Park, and the two areas are closely connected. The Wallace Natural Area includes a large riparian forest along the west bank of the Willamette River in West Salem. It is a resource for plants, wildlife, and quiet nature experiences.

Our goal is to protect this natural space while also helping people enjoy it safely.

Taking More Time to Listen

At first, City staff proposed to begin a design review and engagement process to pave a main trail through the natural area. After hearing community concerns, we are changing direction. Now we are slowing down so we can listen and learn before any work begins.

Before we start any improvements—including any trail paving—we will:

• Talk with the community
• Work with natural resource experts and partner agencies
• Study the site to learn about wildlife, plants, water, and flood conditions
• Hear what people value and want for the natural area

These steps will help make sure any changes support nature and improve the park for everyone.

Who We Will Talk To

We will reach out to many groups and people, including but not limited to:

• Neighborhood associations
• Nature and conservation groups
• Trail and park users
• State and federal agencies
• Community organizations
• Individual residents

Everyone’s ideas will help shape the plan.

How the Project Is Funded

This project is paid for with System Development Charges (SDCs). SDCs are fees collected from developers when new buildings are built. These fees help pay for new public facilities—like parks, trails, streets, and utilities—as the city grows. In this project, SDCs will fund both the planning work and future improvements.

What Happens Next

From late 2025 through 2027, the project will move through several steps:

• Select an expert consultant team to assist the City
• Gathering information about the site
• Meeting with the community and hearing ideas
• Creating early concept options for trails, access, and habitat
• Writing a draft plan

After the plan is complete and approved by the City Council, the City will begin early implementation planning. This may include work on the main trail and other improvements, but only after the full planning process is completed.

The timeline graphic below shows each step in the process.

 Brown Road Park Master Plan Implementation

The City of Salem's Parks Planning team and Public Works Engineering are currently developing construction documents and engineering for the implementation of the Brown Road Park Master Plan.

This documentation phase is essential for translating the Master Plan vision into a detailed, buildable design. We will provide updates on the project scope and construction timeline once the necessary engineering and documentation work is complete.

Soccer and Baseball Fields Major field reconstruction is continuing at Geer Park. These upgrades are designed to enhance playing conditions, improve field reliability, and allow for a longer playing season.

Baseball Fields: The installation of artificial turf on the infields is complete. The outfields have been reseeded with new natural grass. The fields also received a new irrigation and drainage system.

Soccer Fields: The soccer fields have been completely reconstructed, including regrading the playing surface and installing a new irrigation and drainage system. These fields have also been reseeded.

 Dog Park 

Geer Park Dog Park Construction Continues

Construction is currently underway on the Geer Park Dog Park, a new recreational space designed to enhance community life and provide a safe, enjoyable environment for dogs and their owners.

The finished park will feature distinct fenced areas for energetic and quieter dogs, two small shelters with benches and accessible paved entryways.

Prioritizing accessibility and hygiene, the park will also include accessible pathways and strategically placed waste disposal stations. The City is committed to regular maintenance to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.

The dog park is not expected to open until mid-spring 2026 to allow time for the newly planted grass to become fully established. We look forward to opening this new amenity to the community next year.

Opening Timeline: 

To ensure the newly planted grass on both the soccer fields and baseball outfields has sufficient time to become fully established, the fields will remain closed for the winter season. The baseball fields, soccer fields and the new dog park are all expected to officially open around mid-spring 2026. We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to deliver these high-quality, long-lasting recreational spaces for all. 

About the Park 

Geer Park is a 44-acre community park located at 241 Geer Drive NE. The park is partly developed with walking paths and trails, covered picnic area, two baseball fields, two soccer fields, and Salem's only bike park.

Sign up to get email updates about the Geer Park skatepark and dog area projects.

Chambers Swale and New Path Project Update

The City of Salem is leading the project to restore Chambers Swale and enhance connectivity between neighborhoods. The City, with assistance from Environmental Services Associates (ESA), is designing and implementing the solution. The project will create a new paved path connecting the neighborhood from north to south and restore Chambers Creek to improve its health and stability. This comprehensive approach will not only benefit the neighborhood but also improved water quality and safety in Bailey Ridge Park. 

Project Highlights

• Restoration: The project will include measures to restore the health and stability of Chambers Creek, improving water quality and habitat for aquatic life. This will involve stabilizing banks to prevent erosion and sedimentation, enhancing the creek's natural flow and planting native vegetation.
• New Path: A paved path will be constructed, providing a safe and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists to travel through the neighborhood.

Project Status

The project is currently in the engineering, construction documents and permitting phase. We anticipate construction to begin in mid-2026.

Stay Informed

If you'd like to stay up-to-date on the project's progress, please sign up for our email list.

McKay Park Transformation Project

Bidding and Construction Timeline Update

The McKay Park Transformation project, funded by the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, is scheduled to enter the bidding phase in early winter 2026, with construction anticipated to begin shortly after a contractor is selected.

The project scope includes a variety of enhancements:

• Renovation of the natural turf soccer fields and warm-up areas, including the installation of new subsurface drainage and irrigation systems to create high-quality playing surfaces.

• Construction of a new reservable picnic shelter and the addition of new permanent restrooms.

• Construction of a dedicated concrete pad with electrical connections to support temporary mobile food vendors.

• Reconstruction of selected interior pedestrian and bicycle pathways to improve accessibility and circulation for all users.

• Removal of the former formal play area, with the space being restored to a passive recreation lawn with new shade trees.

Project Closure and Reopening: During construction, the fields and the Eastern parking lot will be closed to the public. The fields are not anticipated to be ready for use until spring 2027. We will provide updates on construction milestones as they occur.

The City of Salem is excited to announce the completion and opening of our first publicly owned Futsal court, located in Hoover Park. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community for the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, this brand-new, high-quality amenity is now open and available for immediate use.

What is Futsal?

For those who haven't played before, Futsal is a fun, fast-paced, small-sided version of soccer played on a hard court. It uses a smaller, low-bounce ball that encourages close control, quick passing and technical skill in a confined space. It's played with five players per team, including a goalkeeper, making it an excellent game for all ages.

Beyond the Court: Improved Park Access

The Hoover Park renovations include more than just the Futsal court. We have focused on improving accessibility throughout the area. These upgrades include:

• New Paved Pathway: A new, smooth pathway has been installed for easier movement.

• Convenient Entrance: We added a new pedestrian entrance from the south, providing direct access for residents of Evergreen Park apartments.

• Reconfigured Paths: An existing path has been updated and reconfigured to ensure an easier walk or roll for everyone visiting the park.

We encourage you to come visit Hoover Park today to enjoy the new Futsal court and explore the newly improved paths!

Geer Park Skatepark Complete! 

We are thrilled to announce that construction of the new Geer Park Skate Park is now complete! We are currently hosting a soft opening, meaning the facility is fully operational and accessible for immediate use by the public. We invite all skateboarders and BMX freestylers to come enjoy this exciting and challenging new amenity.

Please note that while the park is fully operational, the official Grand Opening Ceremony and community celebration is still planned for next spring. This larger event will be a great opportunity to officially welcome the park and recognize everyone involved. We will share more details about the spring event on this page as the date approaches.

Morningside Park Playground and Sports Courts Completed

The enhancement project at Morningside Park is complete. This work included the full rebuilding of the multi-use court, resurfacing and access improvements for the sports court facilities, and the installation of new playground equipment. These enhancements provide improved playing surfaces and facilities, fostering active recreation and neighborhood engagement.

 Livingston Park Playground Renovation Complete

The renovation of the Livingston Park playground is complete. The project included new park play equipment chosen with community input, along with new paths, trash receptacles, picnic tables and benches. The highlight of the renovation is the creation of two separate play areas designed to accommodate different age groups:

• The area for two to five-year-olds includes a small play structure, swings and other dedicated play elements.
  
  
• The area for five to twelve-year-olds features a larger climbing tower, a multi-component play structure, an inclusive rocker, and other climbing items.

The Fisher Road Park Development Plan is now complete and has received approval from the Salem City Council. This achievement marks a significant milestone in creating a vibrant new park space on Fisher Road, a vision shaped by the valuable input of our community.

The plan, which outlines a comprehensive vision for the park, was carefully reviewed and endorsed by the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (SPRAB) before being presented to the City Council. The Council's approval signifies their commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities in Northeast Salem.

This approval moves the Fisher Road Park project beyond the planning phase, setting the stage for the creation of a much-anticipated neighborhood space. The focus now shifts to bringing the approved plan to life.

The Parks Planning Team extends heartfelt gratitude to all community members, stakeholders and partners who dedicated their time and shared their insights throughout the planning process. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping this exciting project.

Stay Connected:

For further information or to stay updated on the project, please contact us at parksplanning@cityofsalem.net.

We are thrilled to embark on this next phase and look forward to seeing the Fisher Road Park vision become a reality for the residents of Northeast Salem.

 Thank you for your continued support!

On March 10th, City Council approved the Fairview Park Development and Maintenance Plan, formally the Fairview Park Master Plan, marking a significant step towards creating a vibrant community hub in Salem. This plan, a direct result of collaborative efforts with our residents, prioritizes both community engagement and environmental stewardship, reflecting the values we hold dear in our city. We extend our sincere gratitude to the community for their essential feedback, support, and active participation in shaping this exciting project.

The Fairview Park development will feature:

• Accessible and Interconnected Pathways: Paved paths designed for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting easy access and connectivity throughout the park, encouraging healthy lifestyles for Salem residents.
  
  
• Enhanced Natural Areas: Preservation and enhancement of natural spaces, including a native prairie and rain garden, to support local wildlife habitats and improve stormwater management, contributing to a sustainable and resilient urban environment.
  
  
• Diverse Recreational Facilities: A wide range of amenities designed to cater to all ages and interests, including:
  • Eight pickleball courts, addressing the growing popularity of this sport in our community.
  • A multi-purpose sport court for various activities.
  • A dedicated dog park, providing a safe and enjoyable space for our four-legged friends.
  • A small amphitheater for community events and performances.
  • Community gardens, fostering a sense of community and promoting local food production.
  • Multiple play spaces equipped with manufactured play equipment and nature play elements, designed to stimulate children's creativity and physical activity.
    
    
• Community Center and Market Space: A central gathering place located in the Market Space, featuring:
  
  
  
  • A welcoming plaza for social interaction and community events.
  • Designated food cart space, supporting local businesses and offering diverse dining options for park visitors.

Bailey Ridge Park is a 5.5 acre Neighborhood Park located at 3801 Tayside Street S. in the Bailey Ridge subdivision north of the intersection of Rogue Avenue S. and River Road S. The park is undeveloped, but picnic tables were recently added to the site.

The master plan for Bailey Ridge Park was approved by the Salem City Council on July 25, 2022. The plan now represents a vision for future park improvements and amenities. The plan also provides an understanding of the existing conditions and site opportunities and constraints.  The City will use the master plan to guide future park development.