Salem, Ore. — City of Salem has selected seven park projects to fund through the Salem Parks Improvement Fund (SPIF). These projects are nominated by neighborhood associations across the city and represent critical infrastructure needs for those spaces. This year the committee was able to fund all of the nominated projects in full. 

"The beauty of SPIF funding is that it allows the community to have direct input on projects in their local parks," said Dylan McDowell, who serves as Chair of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (SPRAB). "I'm proud that Salem provides this dedicated community support and that we are able to fund such a wide array of park improvements." 

The Salem Parks Improvement Fund (SPIF) was first established in 2006 and is intended to provide an opportunity for Salem neighborhood associations to partner with the City and help make local park improvements. The SPIF Grant annually awards up to $60,000 for park projects. 

In October, neighborhood associations submit project requests, which are reviewed by City staff to check for feasibility. The reviewers ensure the project requests fall within the requirements of the current City Comprehensive Park System Master Plan and provide a project cost estimate. Members of the Salem Parks and Recreation Board, Salem Parks Foundation, and Salem Parks Planning and Operation staff then serve on the SPIF review committee to make the final selections.

Here are the selected projects and locations:

• Morningside Park – Replace a walking path with a multi-use path.
• McRae Park -- Develop a mural in the park using community engagement.
• Secor Park -- Install a shade structure over play equipment to protect children.
• Bailey Ridge Park -- Add a bench and message kiosk next to the little library.
• Edgewater Park -- Add two picnic tables.
• Fisher Road Park -- Install two large soccer goals.
• Bush Park -- Install uniform plant ID signs in the Old Tarter Rose Garden, replacing existing signage. 

For more information on the SPIF program to support Salem area parks, contact Jennifer Kellar, Parks Operations Manager.