Private Gift Grows Senior Services And Programs In Salem -08/12/25

The Mountain West Center for Community Excellence (MWCCE) and Friends of Center 50+, the nonprofit branch of Center 50+, are partnering to bring services and programming to more seniors throughout Salem-Keizer.

Although a longtime supporter of Center 50+ and its mission, Mountain West is excited to commit even more deeply to promoting the well-being of seniors in its community. Mountain West Investment Corporation has pledged a $2.7 million investment in Friends of Center 50+ on behalf of MWCCE, distributed over three years as agreed-upon benchmarks are met.

Inspired by the community’s support of senior services through the recent passage of the City of Salem levy, the gift is an investment in community collaboration, acknowledging that Center 50+’s outreach and services must increase alongside our aging population.

“The community stepped up to support Center 50+ and community services in general,” said Marilyn Daily-Blair, Director of Center 50+. “But stable funding does not provide for growth. The number of older adults now outnumbers children and youth in Oregon. Knowing that, the only way to serve a growing number of seniors is for our private partners to step in, too.”

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and her team are excited about the prospect of more cross-sector partnerships like this, which will continue to support transformative work in the city without further burdening the budget.

“We are thrilled by continued community support for our work with older adults,” said Mayor Hoy, who has worked closely with Mountain West and other community organizations to find sustainable funding solutions. The support of private foundations, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations is key to building a healthier future for Salem and its aging population.

With this new funding, the Friends of Center 50+ will be able to expand their capacity, grow and strengthen the volunteer workforce through Center 50+, and build new partnerships with other senior-serving organizations.

A member of the Mountain West staff will join the Center 50+ team in its active community outreach and new programming for the duration of the gift to accelerate capacity and impact. New programs include: a mobile market and meal program launching in Salem neighborhoods in September; the provision of outreach, activities, information, and resources to senior co-housing projects; and networking opportunities for other senior centers and hubs in Marion and Polk Counties. The funds will also be used to refresh Center 50+’s17-year-old Portland Road facility with updated equipment and furnishings, and to expand existing outreach and volunteer programs.

The ultimate goal of the gift and partnership is to reach more and underserved seniors, and to do so in a way that avoids duplication and maximizes efficiency and impact. Both organizations look forward to serving Salem’s older adults in a way that honors their needs and recognizes their incredible capacity for contributing to our community.

City Staff, Contractors Hard At Work On Summertime Improvement Projects -08/06/25

SALEM, Ore. — With warmer summer weather, Salem residents and visitors have begun to see more construction projects occurring throughout the community. This year marks one of the busiest construction years in recent Salem history, with significant investments occurring to improve City infrastructure and enhance quality of life.

When encountering construction projects and workers, we ask residents and visitors to use caution, expect some delays and follow all traffic control signage. These actions help travelers and workers stay safe.

Transportation Projects

Downtown Streetscape

The Salem Downtown Streetscape project is designed to update to the look and feel of downtown. This includes replacing concrete sidewalks, replacing curbs and parking areas to accommodate drainage, installing pedestrian-level lighting, installing larger planter areas to promote tree health (including additional ground-cover plants at the base of trees) and landscaping enhancements at alley entrances for improved visibility.

A series of focus group meetings in 2016 identified streetscape improvements as one of the top urban renewal funding priorities within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area. Further public open houses and a pilot project helped to define the scope of improvements included in the Downtown Streetscape Plan.

We are constructing the fifth of 18 blocks needing improvement. You’ll see us working on:

• South side of State, Court and Chemeketa Streets between Commercial and Liberty Streets through November
• North side of State, Court and Chemeketa Streets between Commercial and Liberty Streets, and the west side of Liberty Street between State and Court Street in Spring or Summer 2026

Learn more at https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/downtown/downtown-salem-streetscape-design.

McGilchrist Complete Street Project

The McGilchrist Complete Street project is transforming the current two-lane arterial into a street that provides the necessary elements to support safe movement of goods and people by truck, rail, car, foot and bicycle.

We will complete a 20-year vision for the street that will promote business development, support the creation of new jobs and provide transportation options to help alleviate traffic congestion for the nearby residential areas. The improvements will create a corridor that will enhance economic development in a sustainable manner while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing flooding concerns and improving the water quality for Pringle Creek. This summer work is focused between 22nd and 25th Street SE including the intersection of 25th and McGilchrist.

For more information, see https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond/mcgilchrist-complete-street-project.

Silverton Road NE Pavement Rehabilitation Project

The 2022 Safety and Livability Bond included funds to improve paving Silverton Road NE from 17th Street NE to Williams Avenue NE and from Beacon Street NE to Fisher Road NE. While we’re in the area, we’re also taking care of a longstanding priority for the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area, which included funds for improvements at the 17th Street NE at Silverton Road NE intersection.

This project includes resurfacing the roadway and constructing accessible curb ramps, replacing two traffic signals, adding three new pedestrian crossings and restriping the roadway corridor, implementing a road diet to add bike lanes on both sides of Silverton Road. The improvements also include lining three large sewer mains in Evergreen Avenue NE, Silverton Road NE and Lana Avenue NE to improve their condition and avoid more costly repairs after the new pavement is installed.

Learn more at https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond/silverton-road-ne-pavement-rehabilitation-project.

Pedestrian System Improvements

Partnering for funding with the Oregon Department of Transportation Safe Routes to Schools program, we are constructing pedestrian improvements at the following locations this year:

• Market Street NE at Aguilas Court NE Pedestrian Crossing
• Sunnyview Road NE at Hollywood Drive NE Pedestrian Crossing
• Macleay Road SE and Caplinger Road SE Pedestrian Improvements

These projects were selected by a competitive grant process to create safer crossings and add sidewalks for important routes to Swegle Elementary, Mary Eyre Elementary and McKay High School.

Other Transportation System Improvements

Sustaining and improving the City’s transportation system includes the following projects being funded through the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, Oregon Department of Transportation grants, Streetlight Utility and State Gas Tax funds:

• 2022 Safety and Livability Bond bridge strengthening
  • Liberty Street NE at Mill Creek
  • 15th Street NE at Mill Creek
  • 17th Street NE at Mill Creek
  • Mission Street SE at Pringle Creek
• Liberty Road S at Davis Road S intersection improvements
• State Street at 25^th Street intersection and improvements
• Streetlight rehabilitation around the Civic Center
• High Street speed-reduction improvements
• 2025 pavement maintenance

These projects will help keep people, vehicles and freight moving around town while improving pedestrian and driver safety and preserving existing infrastructure.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/.

Municipal Facilities

Civic Center Seismic Upgrades

The 2022 voter-approved Safety and Livability Bond included $39.4 million for seismic system improvements and accessibility upgrades to the Civic Center, so that visitors can safely exit the historic facility in case of an earthquake.

All City services have moved to temporary locations while the Civic Center is retrofitted to meet current seismic standards. The building upgrades are designed to provide safe exit from the building during an earthquake.

Additional goals of the project are to make the space more inviting and accessible to the public when the building reopens in early 2027.

Learn more at https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond/civic-center-seismic-upgrades.

Parks

Residents will see much-needed improvements this summer at four Salem neighborhood parks made possible by the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond.

• Hoover Park: Replace damaged and unusable tennis courts with a new soccer mini-pitch — the first in the Salem park system — and add basketball hoops.
• Highland Park: Resurfacing, fencing, and lighting of tennis and pickleball courts. One tennis court will become two dedicated pickleball courts with permanent nets. The other court will be striped and netted for tennis but have pickleball striping to accommodate two pickleball courts.
• Livingston Park: Replace playground equipment; make playground area improvements.
• Morningside Park: Replace playground equipment and associated access improvements; rebuild the worn-out multi-use court.

All work will be completed by the end of this year. Learn more at https://www.cityofsalem.net/Home/Components/News/News/1614/15.

Geer Park Sports Field Improvements, Dog Park

The project will include improvements to the two existing soccer fields to enhance drainage by improving the grading and adding new irrigation. It will also include the construction of a dog park area with amenities such as a picnic shelter, benches, drinking fountains and pet waste receptacles.

The project will also provide improvements to the two existing baseball fields including replacement of the infields with synthetic turf. The park parking lot is currently closed in anticipation of the contractor’s mobilization to the site. Work is anticipated to begin by the end of July so that fields and the new dog park will be available for play in 2026.

Geer Park Skatepark

The Geer Park Skatepark is currently under construction. The project is being constructed by Paul Brothers, Inc., out of Boring, Oregon, who has partnered with Evergreen Skateparks out of Portland for the design and construction of the skatepark.

The project is designed to accommodate skateboarders of all levels and will include a sheltered picnic area. The skatepark will open in late 2025.

Utilities

Underground Pipeline Utility Replacement and Rehabilitation Projects

To replace, rehabilitate and preserve buried pipelines in the City’s water, sanitary Serwer and stormwater draining systems, we leverage utility rate funds.

Laurel Avenue Waterline Replacement

The Laurel Avenue Waterline Replacement, started in mid-July, will be completed by October 2025.

Intermittent lane and road closures may occur as we replace the existing undersized and end-of-useful-life waterline with a new, larger-diameter waterline and new water service lines.

Other Underground Piping Projects Planned for Construction

Additional construction is planned for later this summer for the following projects:

• Relining deteriorated sanitary sewer mains on Front Street NE and Market Street NE
• Relining deteriorated City sewer mains at South Salem High School
• Relining deteriorated sewer mains in the vicinity of Wildwind Drive SE and Waldo Avenue SE
• Relining and replacing deteriorated sewer mains crossing railroad tracks in the vicinity of River Road S and Johnson Street NE
• Relining a deteriorated stormwater drainage main at Front Street NE and Gaines Street NE
• Evaluation of the condition of the two West Salem sanitary sewer force mains from the West Salem Pump Station, under the Willamette River, to the Willow Lake Wastewater Pollution Control Facility

Relining sewer mains allows us to improve the condition of deteriorating pipes without digging up the entire line. This minimizes cost and the disruption caused by construction in the neighborhood.

Stormwater System Improvements

To improve the City’s stormwater system, reduce the risk of flooding, protect public and private property and benefit water quality in our streams, stormwater utility rate funds are budgeted for several construction projects.

Shelton Ditch Improvements

We have started construction on the Shelton Ditch Improvements project. Stream stabilization work on sections of Shelton Ditch began in early July between Ford Street SE and 25th Street SE.

The Ford Street SE Bridge over Shelton Ditch is currently closed while we work on the south embankment of Shelton Ditch between Ford Street SE and 23rd Street SE through the end of August.

Through the end of October, the end of 24th Street is scheduled to be closed to local access only as work shifts to 24th Street to continue stabilization work on the north embankment of Shelton Ditch.

Learn more including descriptions, prioritization, and maps at https://www.cityofsalem.net/Home/Components/News/News/1657/.

Other Stormwater Projects Planned for Construction

Additional projects will begin construction later this summer, including:

• Improvements to an existing stormwater detention basin at Kuebler Boulevard SE and Lone Oak Road SE to improve water quality of stormwater drainage from the adjacent neighborhood
• Storm drain improvements in the vicinity of Arlene Avenue SE, Nina Avenue SE, and Pullman Avenue SE to reduce risk of localized flooding during storm events

For More Information

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/. 

Invasive Plant Treatment Begins July 28 In Minto-Brown Island Park -07/25/25

SALEM, Ore. — In partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper, the City of Salem will soon begin treating two sloughs in Minto-Brown Island Park to remove the invasive plant species Ludwigia hexapetala.

Treatments will begin July 28 and continue through Aug. 8 in Oxbow Slough and Willamette Slough. Additional treatments will occur in late August or September.

Residents and visitors are asked to stay out of the sloughs while treatment is in progress and for 24 hours after treatment to protect against possible exposure. Treated plants will show signs of blue-green dye. The dye may persist for up to two weeks.

City of Salem and Willamette Riverkeeper representatives will be available for questions or conversations at Minto-Brown Island Park July 28-29 while the work is visible from the park.

This is the second year of a five-year partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper to reduce the invasive plant in Oxbow Slough. This is a similar project to the work previously done in Willamette Slough, which will also be treated to remove small remnant patches of Ludwigia.

Ludwigia forms dense mats in slow-moving backwater channels, oxbow lakes and sloughs. While this yellow-flowered plant may appear pretty, it has the potential to choke entire waterways, severely restricting recreational access, degrading water quality and creating an environment that is unfriendly to native fish and wildlife.

Groups along the Willamette River have been working to stop the spread of this highly invasive plant.

Learn more about restoring the Willamette River in Oxbow Slough and previous work completed in Willamette Slough at https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/natural-environment-climate/environmental-planning-management/streams-wetlands/restoring-the-willamette-river-1859

City Council To Discuss Plan For Improving Drinking Water Equipment, Capabilities -07/24/25

SALEM, Ore. — Monday night, City Council will consider whether to quickly advance contracts designed to protect Salem’s drinking water source.

With the pending Fall 2026 deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir — the source of drinking water for residents and businesses in Salem — the council will consider a proposed emergency declaration during their July 28 meeting at Loucks Auditorium. The declaration would ease the process of arranging services and gathering materials and equipment essential to improving the resiliency of the City’s water system.

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was first constructed over 70 years ago.

The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.

The Biological Opinion directs the Corps to conduct a deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir every year in the fall until permanent fish passage improvements are completed by the Corps. The City expects these drawdowns to result in high levels of suspended sediments in the North Santiam River.

High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for many weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery system in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. However, these sources may not meet all of the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 or the years following.

The City’s Public Works Department is undertaking several initiatives to address the need for alternative water sources. These include a project to construct up to four additional groundwater wells on Geren Island. Public Works is also developing a program to improve its filters at the water treatment plant. In addition, Public Works is starting a project to add a pump station to a second water connection with the City of Keizer.

These initiatives are not expected to be operational until 2027 under standard procurement processes, along with anticipated lead times for well drilling and obtaining the highly specialized pumps and equipment. Under an expedited procurement schedule authorized by the proposed emergency declaration, the projects can be completed by August 2026 ahead of the planned drawdown.

Learn more about Salem’s Drinking Water at CityofSalem.net/drinking-water.

Mayor Hoy Joins Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative (Photo) -07/23/25

Salem, OR – (July 23, 2025) – Mayor Julie Hoy today announced being selected for the ninth class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, joining 47 mayors from 17 countries to participate in the professional management training program. Established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School as a first-of-its-kind program to help close the gap in executive development for the public sector, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative equips mayors and senior municipal officials with the tools and expertise to solve pressing local challenges, strengthen their city halls, and improve outcomes for residents.

Since its launch in 2017, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative has provided training to 359 mayors and over 635 senior municipal officials across 41 countries.
 

“This program will equip our City Hall with leading strategies we will immediately put to work for our community’s benefit,” Mayor Hoy said. “The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative bolsters how we tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and deliver results.”
 

Housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative brings together Harvard faculty, staff, and students, alongside experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network, to work with the mayors and their senior officials over the course of nine months. Through intensive classroom, virtual, and field-based learnings and offerings, the Initiative helps these leaders bolster their teams’ use of data and evidence, drive collaboration and innovation across sectors, and deliver results for communities. In addition to the core coursework and convenings with peers, after completing the program, each municipality can access additional offerings. This includes education programs for their economic development, civic engagement, human resources, negotiation, and procurement leads; opportunities to host a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow for up to two years; and peer-reviewed-research and instructional materials to help local governments improve key organizational practices.
 

To kick off their participation, Mayor Hoy joined Harvard faculty and renowned management leaders in New York City for a four-day immersive classroom experience. Two senior leaders from each of the 47 cities, including Salem, will begin their participation in the program in August.
 

Notable alumni of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative include Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mayor Femke Halsema of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho; Mayor Jyoti Gondek of Calgary, Canada; Mayor William Cogswell of Charleston, South Carolina; Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio; Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver, Colorado; Mayor Eddie Melton of Gary, Indiana; Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, England; Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mayor Paul Young of Memphis, Tennessee; Mayor Andrea Davis of Missoula, Montana; Mayor Freddie O’Connell of Nashville, Tennessee; Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona; Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, Rhode Island; Mayor Pablo Javkin of Rosario, Argentina; Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, Texas; Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle, Washington; Mayor Tom Arceneaux of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Mayor Stefano Lo Russo of Turin, Italy.
 

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
 

About the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative:
The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative–a program of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University–is a collaboration between Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and Bloomberg Philanthropies to equip mayors and senior city officials to tackle complex challenges in their cities and improve the quality of life of their residents. The Initiative has also advanced research and developed new curriculum and teaching tools to help city leaders solve real-world problems. For more information, please visit cityleadership.harvard.edu or visit us on LinkedIn and X.
 

About the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University:
Founded in 2021 with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The center is designed to have widespread impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world. For more information, please visit cities.harvard.edu or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
 

10 Things To Add Fun To Your Summer (Photo) -07/21/25

Salem, Ore. -- We know, Salem is at the heart of an outdoor wonderland that can keep anyone busy for summer after summer. Hike a rugged trail. Paddle a charming stream. Picnic beside a waterfall. Climb a tree.

But don’t spend all of your time in the wilderness! Salem has a summer full of fun you won’t want to miss. Here are 10 ideas that help Salem earn its reputation as a summer city.

1. Summer Parks Program (Day Camps)

Sign your kids up for a summer full of outdoor play from Salem Parks and Recreation! Each week boasts a theme for activities, games and crafts. Participants will enjoy afternoons playing outside in a positive and supervised environment. Choose one of four parks: Englewood, Hoodview, Sumpter or Weathers.
 

Themes include Spirit Week, Wild Animals, Fantasy Week, Science Week, International Week, Olympics Week and Carnival Week.

Or choose from one of the many other fun activities for all ages that you'll find in the new Recreation Guide (we even have a class for tree-climbing).

2. Level Up at the Library: 2025 Summer Reading Challenge

Salem Public Library has Summer Reading Challenges all season to encourage readers and listeners of all ages — children, teens and adults — to enjoy reading throughout the summer. Earn rewards and chances at prizes by signing up and tracking the time you spend reading or listening to books! Register for the Summer Reading Challenge.

3. Square Dance Classes

What’s the difference between a do-si-do and an allemande left? Find out at Wednesday evening square dancing classes at Center 50+. Standard class time is 6-7 p.m. for folks who want to brush up on their dance skills. Beginner’s class time is 7-8 p.m.

4. Movies in the Park (Select Friday evenings)

Enjoy these free family-friendly movies on select Friday evenings in July and August. The fun starts around sunset.
 

Schedule:

Friday, July 25, about 8:45 p.m. — “Inside Out 2,” PG
Friday, Aug. 8, about 8:30 p.m. — “The Wild Robot,” PG
Friday, Aug. 29, about 8 p.m. — “Wicked,” PG
 

Remember to bring a blanket or a low-back chair.

5. STRIDE 5K/10K Run/Walk Events (Monthly)

Participate in one or more of the STRIDE fun run/walk events taking place in some of Salem’s most loved parks through October. These events are open to all ages and abilities. Strollers and dogs on a leash are welcome. STRIDE details

6. July 28-Aug. 3 — Softball Fastpitch 12/14/16/18A Western National Championships

Watch some of the top fastpitch softball teams in the country go head-to-head at Wallace Marine Park right here in Salem. Western Nationals details

7. Aug. 1: Concert in the Park

Bees in a Bottle and Camp Crush are the featured acts at Salem's Concert in the Park on Friday, Aug. 1, starting at 6 p.m. Join us at the Riverfront Park Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater.

8. Aug. 9 — Englewood Forest Festival

Join us under the trees at Englewood Park for a festival of art, music, environmental and educational activities for all ages. Enjoy nature and connect in a beautiful, tree-filled setting. Englewood Forest Festival details

9. Sept. 6 — Boot Scoot & Brew

Beer, wine, a full festival of live music, dancing, a variety of food booths, a raffle and more. This is the big annual fundraiser for Center 50+. Tickets are $5 at the gate or in-advance at friendsofcenter50plus.com.

10. Sept. 12-14 — Salem Art Fair and Festival, Bush's Pasture Park

Artists, vendors, food, drink, performers and community booths at this annual celebration of art and culture. Salem Art Fair details

Before you go…

We’ve reached our promised 10 fun things, but there’s so much more! Quickly, here’s a look at a few more you won’t want to miss:

• Cool down at one of Salem’s seven spray fountains, also know as splash pads. Spray Fountain locations
• Explore a new park. We have more than 90 of them! Park locations
• Take a carousel ride. Salem Riverfront Carousel has all kinds of themed activities
• Check out the Travel Salem Events Calendar for even more summer fun

Portion Of 15th Street NE To Close For Bridge Strengthening (Photo) -07/18/25

SALEM, Ore. — A portion of 15^th Street NE between Marion Street NE and B Street NE will be closed to through traffic July 21 through Aug. 15 for strengthening work on the bridge crossing Mill Creek.

This will be the third of four planned Public Works bridge-strengthening projects using funds from the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond. This work will strengthen the bridges to allow heavier trucks to safely pass over local waterways.

Drivers and pedestrians should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic control signage.

Site-specific information for each bridge can be found at https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.  

Salem State Capitol Complex To See Road Closures During Annual Basketball Tournament (Photo) -07/17/25

SALEM, Ore. — Several streets around the Oregon State Capitol Complex will be closed July 21-27 for the annual Hoopla 3-on-3 street basketball tournament.

Hoopla is the biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in Oregon and is the second largest in the United States.

Beginning at 6 p.m. July 21, the following streets will be closed:

• State Street between Cottage Street NE and 12^th Street
• Cottage Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE
• Waverly Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE
• Winter Street SE between Ferry Street SE and State Street

This will accommodate set-up and operation of the event and ensure the safety of all participants and visitors.

Beginning at 6 p.m. July 24, the following streets will be closed:

• Court Street NE between Church Street NE and 12^th Street NE
• Cottage Street NE from State Street to Chemeketa Street NE
• Winter Street NE between Ferry Street SE and Chemeketa Street NE
• Capitol Street NE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE

All roads are expected to reopen by 10 p.m. July 27.

Those traveling through the area should find alternative routes during the event. For a full schedule of events, visit oregonhoopla.com/week/events.

2025 Ironman 70.3 Oregon Comes To Salem, Willamette Valley (Photo) -07/14/25

SALEM, Ore. — Thousands of competitors, race staff and sports fans will take in the beauty of the Cherry City during the annual Ironman 70.3 Oregon event July 18-20. Residents should expect large crowds downtown, as well as area road closures July 20 for the main event.

Events surrounding the sold-out race begin July 18 with athlete check-ins, briefings and an Ironman Village in Riverfront Park. July 19 will see additional pre-race events for athletes, as well as the Ironkids race starting in Riverfront Park.

The Sunday race will showcase Salem and the Willamette Valley to thousands of athletes. The 70-mile racecourse includes a 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River; a 56-mile bike ride through South Salem to the Ankeny Nature Preserve and back; and a 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park, finishing at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.

The triathlon itself is scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. July 20 at Minto-Brown Island Park, where swimmers will enter the Willamette River. The weekend ends with the Awards Ceremony and 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Slot Allocation/Rolldown Ceremony at 3:45 p.m. at the amphitheater.

Several road closures are planned around Minto-Brown Island Park, Riverfront Park and River Road South. Signs will be posted in these areas warning drivers of the traffic impacts that may occur throughout the day. The Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge connecting Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park will be closed to the public on race day.

Vehicles traveling between Salem and Independence on River Road South should use alternate routes between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., as River Road South will be impacted by the event. Roads will reopen for normal use once the street portion of the bicycle race is completed.

Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park will remain open during the event, though access and parking will be limited.

Lane Restrictions and Road Closures: July 20, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
• Commercial Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic
• Mission Street (Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S): Local traffic only
• Saginaw Street S (Mission Street to Owens Street): Local traffic only
• Owens Street between Liberty Street SE and River Road S: Closed to westbound traffic
• River Road S between Owens Street and Minto Island Park Road: Closed to southbound traffic

For more information about the course, including maps and details on street impacts, please visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-oregon.