The City of Salem has developed two potential design options for consideration. Both design options are accessible to people with disabilities and include the following:

• A 12-foot-wide shared-use path that can be used by people walking, biking, or using mobility devices (like wheelchairs).
• A new pedestrian bridge crossing suspended under the Commercial Street Bridge.
• An overlook gathering place that faces Pringle Creek.
• A shelter for the path under the railroad.
• A ramp from the northwest corner of the Commercial Street Bridge down to the new path.
• Walls with seating along the path for people to gather or rest.
• Retaining wall space that can display public art and wall treatments.
• Path lighting
• Landscaping

Design Option 1

Look and Feel

Design Option 1 would use straight lines and angles for the path, overlook, and shelter. This design is similar to public spaces on the east side of Commercial Street that are part of the historic Salem Civic Center.

Overlook Location

The overlook would be next to the Commercial Street Bridge at the east end of the new path. It faces downstream, toward the railroad tracks at the same level as the path. It also includes a small, upper-level overlook at the top of the ramp next to Commercial Street.

An aerial view of Design Option 1. Click image to enlarge.

An illustration of Design Option 1. Click image to enlarge.

Design Option 2

Look and Feel

Design Option 2 would use curvy features and arcs for the path, overlook, and shelter. This design is similar to the paths that are part of Riverfront Park.

Overlook Location

The overlook would be in the middle of the new path, at path level. It faces toward the South Block Apartments over Pringle Creek.

An aerial view of Design Option 2. Click image to enlarge.

An illustration of Design Option 2. Click image to enlarge.

For trails to fulfill a transportation function, there shouldn’t be any gaps in it.  The Pringle Path Connection Project provides the critical missing link in the existing downtown trail system.  The completed system will provide a continuous path connecting Salem communities on both sides of the Willamette River and ultimately help fulfill the spirit of a regional path throughout the City of Salem.

This project completes a section of the existing trail system in downtown Salem, connecting several significant City parks and employment destinations like:

• Riverfront City Park
• Minto-Brown Island Park
• Willamette University
• The State of Oregon
• Salem Civic Center
• Salem Health

In addition to improving pedestrian and bicycle connections to, from, and around downtown, the new path will help address existing safety concerns. Specifically, the existing gap forces people to leave the trail network and travel on busy roads in downtown Salem. The new path will help people avoid dangerous intersections.

This project is the culmination of significant public outreach over the last 15 years following the decision of Boise Cascade to sell their facility. Their decision to move out of Salem created the opportunity for new housing development, creek restoration efforts, and the extension of the Pringle Creek trail system.

Related City plans:

The path is identified as a priority project in several City plans, including:

• Salem Transportation System Plan (2023)
• South Waterfront Urban Renewal Plan (2022)
• Riverfront Park Master Plan (2018)
• Comprehensive Parks System Master Plan (2013)

In 2019, the City completed the Pringle Creek Demolition & Stream Restoration Project in preparation for this project. Scope of work included:

1. Removed concrete from the old Boise Cascade Mill that covered the creek
2. Restored the creek to a more natural state (also known as “daylighting”)
3. Created a strip of land where the shared-use path will be located
4. Improved fish passage

Pringle Creek Demolition & Stream Restoration - 2019 (Image source: Otak, Inc.)

• Preliminary Design: September 2025 to July 2026
• Final Design: August 2026 to September 2027
• Construction: October 2027 to December 2028

This project is funded in part by the Safety and Livability Bond passed by Salem voters in November 2022. In July 2023, an additional $6 million in funds has been awarded by the Oregon Community Paths Program to support the design and construction of the Pringle Creek Pathway.

Brian Banta
Project Manager

City of Salem | Public Works Department
503-588-6211 ext. 7395
bbanta@cityofsalem.net