Above: Sunrise at Bush's Pasture Park from the Rhododendron Hillside, with a wide view of the Lower Pasture. 

Preserving Salem's Historic and Natural Legacy

In July 2021, the City of Salem adopted a detailed Cultural Landscape Management Plan to care for two of our city's most treasured public spaces: Bush’s Pasture Park and Deepwood Estate Gardens. Together, these parks cover 96 acres and are a natural and cultural treasure in the center of Salem.

The plan will guide how we take care of the parks for the next 20 to 50 years. It will help make sure these spaces stay welcoming, healthy, and meaningful for future generations.

Why This Plan Matters

Bush’s Pasture Park and Deepwood Estate Gardens are more than just beautiful parks. They are historic landscapes shaped by thousands of years of human care and use. These lands are important for their ecological and cultural significance, including deep ties to Indigenous communities. They also include historic features listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The plan explains how the City will protect and improve these values. It includes ideas and feedback from Tribes, local groups, and the community.

Goals of the Plan

1. Improve the Visitor Experience
   The plan supports fun and meaningful activities like playing, exploring nature, and relaxing. It also protects the park’s historic and cultural features.
2. Honor Indigenous Importance
   The City will work with Tribal partners to guide how the land is cared for. This includes sharing cultural stories and restoring traditional plants like camas and other foods important to Indigenous people.
3. Preserve Historic Character
   The plan focuses on protecting historic gardens, pathways, buildings, and plants. It also guides how to make changes while respecting the parks’ history.
4. Support Ecological Health
   The plan includes actions to restore native oak trees, wildflower meadows, and Pringle Creek. These efforts will improve wildlife habitat, water quality, and the parks’ ability to handle climate changes.

How This Plan Helps the City

The plan provides clear steps for managing Bush’s Pasture Park and Deepwood Estate Gardens. For City staff, this means:

• Following clear guidelines to decide on changes to the parks
• Making sure park care and development match cultural, historic, and environmental priorities
• Expanding educational programs and activities for visitors
• Adjusting how the parks are managed based on climate trends, monitoring, and Tribal input

The plan also divides the parks into 14 areas, such as the Rose Garden, Soap Box Derby Track, Oak Groves, and Deepwood Estate Grounds. Each area has its own goals and strategies.

Questions about the plan or projects at Bush’s Pasture Park and Deepwood Estate Gardens?
Contact the Parks Planning Team at parksplanning@cityofsalem.net or call 503‑588‑6336.

Learn More

Additional Information

Oregon White Oaks