- Parking Lot #2 will be closed May 28, to begin construction of the new parking lot near the dog park.
- Thanks to the Safety and Livability Bond, new paved surfaces, stormwater facilities, accessibility upgrades, and landscaping are planned.
- For more details, go to www.cityofsalem.net/minto-brown
Salem, Ore. — The Minto-Brown Island parking lot paving project, funded by the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, is scheduled to begin construction on May 28, 2024. This project includes improvements to Parking Lot #2 (Dog Park Area) and Parking Lot #3 (main lot) and is scheduled to be completed before the fall of 2024.
The project, with a budget of $1.54 million, includes the following key elements:
- New paved and striped surfaces for Parking Lot #2 and Parking Lot #3
- Stormwater drainage improvements and treatment
- Accessibility upgrades connecting the parking lots with the park trail and pathways
- Landscaping around the new parking lots
- Installation of bicycle parking facilities
Construction Impacts:
While the designated off-leash dog exercise area (i.e., dog park) and shared-use pathways will remain open for visitors, there may be temporary disruptions to parking availability and vehicle access during various construction phases. Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available and identified through or around work zones during construction. Please remember to keep your dogs on a leash while walking within the park until arriving at the off-leash dog exercise area.
Construction Schedule:
The contractor will be working Monday – Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning May 28th, 2024.
Phase 1:
- May 28th Lot #2 Closes and Site Prep Begins – Use Lot #3 and overflow area for parking during construction.
- Next – Site Clearing and Excavation
- Next – Concrete Pour for curbs
- Next – Asphalt Paving
- Next – Landscaping
- Lot Opens (Anticipating mid-June, Weather dependent)
Phase 2:
- Following completion of Lot #2, Lot #3 Closes and Site Prep Begins – Use Lot #1 or Lot #2 for parking during construction.
- Next – Site Clearing and Excavation
- Next – Concrete Pour for curbs
- Next – Asphalt Paving
- Next – Landscaping
- Lot Opens (Anticipating late-July, weather dependent)
In February, before bird nesting season began, approximately 30 European birch trees were removed from parking lot #2 due to declining health from an infestation by a boring pest and concern regarding further decline due to construction activity and the resulting changes in microclimate from the new asphalt surface. Two additional non-native trees were also removed due to conflicts with the project.
At parking lot #3, two native black cottonwood trees and one non-native ginkgo tree were removed due to project conflicts.
Trees that were removed will be replaced with new native species in appropriate locations throughout the park in the fall of 2024.
Project Purpose
The heavily used gravel parking lot surfaces deteriorate as weather conditions worsen throughout the year, increasing maintenance costs and creating flooding issues on nearby paths and trails. This project will alleviate flooding issues around the parking lots, increase their size, improve parking efficiency, and increase the availability of spaces serving the dog area and popular trailheads for the park.
The City of Salem is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors. For more information on future Safety and Livability Bond projects, visit www.cityofsalem.net/2022bond.
