Center 50+ WOW Van And Connection Kitchen Honored For Innovative Outreach Services (Photo) - 10/09/26

Salem, Ore. - Center 50+’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van and Connection Kitchen was awarded the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s Section for Older Adult Resources Program of the Year at the 2026 state conference in Seaside, Oregon. 

The program, nominated for their exceptional innovation, impact and leadership in expanding access to essential services for older adults, has been supported by Center for Community Excellence, Salem Health Foundation, Home Instead and United Way of the Willamette Valley.

Traditional senior center programming often serves only those able to visit a physical facility. In response, Center 50+ identified a significant community need in the thousands of older adults who remain isolated due to mobility, transportation and health challenges.

The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen were created to close this gap by bringing connection, support and vital services directly to older adults where they live, be it in manufactured home parks, neighborhood clubhouses, local parks and even right to their front porch.

Strengthening Community Connections for Salem’s Seniors

The WOW Van travels to local parks, neighborhood clubhouses, housing communities and community hubs throughout Salem delivering fitness instruction, wellness and mobility programming, nutrition support, lifelong learning classes, technology tutoring and social check-ins.

The Connection Kitchen serves hot noon meals at local 55-and-older mobile home parks and independent living communities. The kitchen rotates between 13 locations including the Salem Housing Authority and 55-and-older mobile home parks throughout the month.

“This outreach-centered approach strengthens community well-being, fosters social connection and directly aligns with Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s mission to broaden access to meaningful recreational and wellness opportunities for all,” said Marilyn Daily-Blair, Center 50+ director. “The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen remain a lifeline, ensuring no older adult is left unseen or unsupported. Simple acts of kindness like sharing a meal, checking on a friend and engaging in community projects continue to create lasting ripple effects of belonging and resilience throughout Salem.”

By cultivating whole-person wellness, these programs help older adults build and sustain relationships, contribute to their neighborhoods and rediscover a sense of purpose, which are powerful tools in reducing isolation and loneliness.

New Downtown Salem Parking App Now Available (Photo) - 09/30/26

Beep Beep Salem app users must download new version by December 31

Salem, Ore. – A new Beep Beep Salem parking app is now available! The new app offers all the same features, in addition to improved customer service and faster processing times.

The old parking app will be fully discontinued. Those using the previous parking app have until December 31, 2026, to make the transition to the new version.

How to Find the New App
Users can download Beep Beep Salem through their mobile play store. There are currently two versions available - the new version has a full-color icon and a red NEW banner, while the discontinued app appears as a gray icon.

New users will only be able to download the new version. Users of the old application will need to remove the version they are currently using and download the new version.

Questions about downloading the new app? Email beepbeep@cityofsalem.net to reach our parking staff.

More About the Beep Beep Salem App
The Beep Beep Salem app can conveniently be used at all on-street pay stations throughout Salem, including locations near the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette University and the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport.

The app is available to download on:

• Google Play Store (for Android devices)
• Apple App Store (for iPhone devices)

A $0.35 fee applies to each transaction using the app, in addition to the $1.50 hourly parking rate at the downtown pay stations or the $10 daily rate at the airport. 
 

Downtown Parking Pay Stations
You can find instructional videos for using the parking stations and the app, as well as a downtown parking map and answers to frequently asked questions, at www.beepbeepsalem.com.

Free Parking in Downtown Salem:
Free customer and visitor parking is available in the downtown parking structures.

Permits for Downtown Residents, Downtown Employees, Students, Volunteers and Jurors

If you live or work downtown and plan to park in downtown Salem between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. any day except Sundays and City-observed holidays (students, volunteers, employees, jurors), you are required to purchase a parking permit for the parking garages or pay at the new parking meters. To learn more about permit requirements and options, go to www.cityofsalem.net/parking.

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Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event Near Oregon State Capitol Oct. 3 - 09/29/26

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is alerting the public about a street closure related to a planned one-day event Oct. 3 at the Oregon State Capitol State Park. The permitted event will see the closure of Court Street NE between Capitol Street NE and Winter Street NE from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Drivers should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place. Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the event. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

Closure Details

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
• Time: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Affected Streets: Court Street NE
   

The City of Salem appreciates your cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.