Salem’s public parks are a beautiful addition to our city. To keep our parks enjoyable for everyone, there are a few rules to keep in mind.

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in Salem parks. This includes parking lots located on park property.

E-cigarettes, marijuana, and cannabis products are not allowed either.

Alcohol

Alcohol is allowed in reservable areas and it must stay within 100 feet of those reserved areas.

To have alcohol with the reservation, apply for an alcohol permit. The alcohol permit may have associated fees.

Barbeques

Portable stoves and barbeque grills are welcome. Hot coals must be removed from the park unless an ash can is available on-site.

Small portable barbeques are not allowed on the grass or tables.

Please do not wash out your barbeque at the park.

Dogs

Four-legged friends are welcome in City parks. Scoop and leash laws apply.

Designated off-leash dog park areas are located within Cascades Gateway, Minto-Brown Island, and Orchard Heights parks.

Sound equipment use

A small, hand held speaker may be permitted, but use of larger sound equipment, like a public address system, will need an approved sound permit and may have associated fees.

Tents and canopies

If you have a reservation, small backyard canopies for shade and protection from the rain are allowed. If the tent or canopy needs to be staked to the ground, an irrigation locate may be required in advance on the park permit and may have associated fees.

To use a tent that is 400 square feet (20’x20’) or more, or a canopy that is 700 square feet (35’x35’) or more, a tent or canopy permit is required and may have associated fees.

Inflatable structures (bouncy houses)

Note: Inflatables with a water feature, like a water slide, are not permissible on City property.

To have an inflatable structure with a park reservation, the request must be made on the permit and application. An irrigation locate is required and may have associated fees.

A few reservable areas do not have sufficient electrical power and the permittee may need to bring a generator.

Electrical service

Access to electricity at an event held in the park must be requested in advance on the park permit.

Reservable areas without electricity exist in Bush's Pasture Park at the Rose Garden Gazebo, Lower Leffelle Picnic Area, and Phillips' Field.

Dunk tanks and water slides

Not permissible on City property.