- Playground replacement is scheduled to begin in 2026
- Project aligns with City commitment to creating inclusive and accessible recreational spaces
Salem, Ore. – As Salem prepares to replace the 26-year-old playground at Riverfront Park, making sure people of all ages and abilities can safely enjoy it is a primary concern. A $770,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will help make that happen.
The state approved the 2024 Local Government Grant Program – Large Grant awards at the September 18 meeting of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Commission following a competitive evaluation and review process.
The City’s application was highly competitive, placing within the top 20% of funded applications.
“This project is a top priority because it aligns with our city’s commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces for all residents,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy in a presentation to the state parks commission. “Upgrading this playground will ensure that children of all abilities – and all ages – can enjoy safe and engaging play experiences.”
The existing play equipment has reached the end of its functional life. The new playground area is being designed with people of all ages and abilities in mind. Features under consideration include:
- A wheelchair-accessible route to the top of the play structure.
- A sensory quiet area for people with conditions such as autism.
- A universal access merry-go-round.
- An artificial turf hillside for rolling.
Other possible features are inspired by local nature and offer an opportunity for environmental education. A beaver dam climbing structure, eagle’s nest and Western pond turtle area are being considered. In addition, soft rubber surfacing poured in place will represent the Willamette River.
The playground area will be expanded in this project, and a popular multi-use park path adjacent to the play area will be rerouted to reduce user conflicts between the two facilities.
“We expect this project to significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents and contribute to the vitality of our downtown area,” added Keith Norris, Chair of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
A conceptual design of the play area will be used as City staff reaches out to engage the community to better understand how this new project can better serve residents and visitors. The process will ensure accessibility and inclusivity, providing multiple opportunities for feedback from all community members, including online surveys and social media engagement.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $1.83 million. The City’s $1.06 million match will come from the 2022 Safety and Livability Bonds and park system development charges. Additional shade trees and expanded picnicking opportunities will be adjacent to the play area.
Grant funding will help the City provide a more inclusive and engaging play experience, reflecting the City’s commitment to Salem as a family-friendly, welcoming and livable community. Staff often works to leverage City funding with grants from outside sources as a way to conserve scarce resources, improve projects or both.
Riverfront Park is Salem’s premier urban event park, set on 26 acres along the Willamette River and in close proximity to businesses, restaurants entertainment and other parks and trails. It’s the result of conversion of industrial land to parkland.
# # #
