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News Release

Crooked House Playground Reopens Ahead Of Schedule; Riverfront Park Playground To Reopen In July - 04/23/26

  • The Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park is now open with new playground surface
  • The temporarily closed Riverfront Park playground is on track to reopen in July
  • Other parks throughout the city provide opportunities to come out and play!

 

Salem, Ore. — Salem residents are encouraged to come out and play at the reopened Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park.

 

Due to hard work and favorable weather, the Crooked House playground has reopened ahead of schedule, making an additional play space available for area children.

New Ground at Playground

The playground at Bush’s Pasture Park closed for construction earlier this month and reopened April 21. The closure allowed for replacement of the playground surface with synthetic grass similar to the material to be installed at Riverfront Park as part of the larger playground improvement.
 
This installation represents the first use of playground-specific synthetic turf in Salem’s park system. The system is different from typical sports turf, as it is designed to cushion falls and provide a smoother, more accessible play surface for children of many abilities.

 

The new playground turf at the Crooked House includes Envirofill infill, a coated sand specifically designed for playground use which is safe for children. Its rounded grains help maintain a stable, well-draining surface for play while antimicrobial protection helps keep the material clean and durable over time.

Riverfront Park Playground Construction Rushes Forward, Makes Waves

Riverfront Park’s playground, which was also closed for construction earlier in April, is now expected to reopen in July. To keep the south park restrooms open during construction, contractors have moved the construction fencing around the site to provide access.

 

Equipment removed from the former play structures at Riverfront Park is currently being retained for potential future use. Because these structures were manufactured by the same company that made many of Salem’s other playgrounds, the parts are compatible with existing equipment across the city. This allows Parks and Recreation staff to repurpose parts in good condition to repair or maintain other playgrounds, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Any materials that could not be repurposed are being responsibly recycled to the fullest extent possible.

 

Skip, Swing and Slide All Over Salem

Throughout construction, playgrounds at Bush’s Pasture Park (Lower Leffelle, near Phillips’ Field), McKay Park, Orchard Heights Park, River Road Park, Wallace Marine Park and Woodmansee Park will remain open. In addition, you can find a neighborhood park with a playground near you from our Find a Park webpage: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/parks/find-a-park. 

Crooked House Playground Reopens Ahead Of Schedule; Riverfront Park Playground To Reopen In July - 04/23/26

  • The Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park is now open with new playground surface
  • The temporarily closed Riverfront Park playground is on track to reopen in July
  • Other parks throughout the city provide opportunities to come out and play!

 

Salem, Ore. — Salem residents are encouraged to come out and play at the reopened Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park.

 

Due to hard work and favorable weather, the Crooked House playground has reopened ahead of schedule, making an additional play space available for area children.

New Ground at Playground

The playground at Bush’s Pasture Park closed for construction earlier this month and reopened April 21. The closure allowed for replacement of the playground surface with synthetic grass similar to the material to be installed at Riverfront Park as part of the larger playground improvement.
 
This installation represents the first use of playground-specific synthetic turf in Salem’s park system. The system is different from typical sports turf, as it is designed to cushion falls and provide a smoother, more accessible play surface for children of many abilities.

 

The new playground turf at the Crooked House includes Envirofill infill, a coated sand specifically designed for playground use which is safe for children. Its rounded grains help maintain a stable, well-draining surface for play while antimicrobial protection helps keep the material clean and durable over time.

Riverfront Park Playground Construction Rushes Forward, Makes Waves

Riverfront Park’s playground, which was also closed for construction earlier in April, is now expected to reopen in July. To keep the south park restrooms open during construction, contractors have moved the construction fencing around the site to provide access.

 

Equipment removed from the former play structures at Riverfront Park is currently being retained for potential future use. Because these structures were manufactured by the same company that made many of Salem’s other playgrounds, the parts are compatible with existing equipment across the city. This allows Parks and Recreation staff to repurpose parts in good condition to repair or maintain other playgrounds, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Any materials that could not be repurposed are being responsibly recycled to the fullest extent possible.

 

Skip, Swing and Slide All Over Salem

Throughout construction, playgrounds at Bush’s Pasture Park (Lower Leffelle, near Phillips’ Field), McKay Park, Orchard Heights Park, River Road Park, Wallace Marine Park and Woodmansee Park will remain open. In addition, you can find a neighborhood park with a playground near you from our Find a Park webpage: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/parks/find-a-park.