Salem Receives Money to Develop Two New City Parks, Make Improvements to Northgate Park

Salem-News.com

(Salem) - The City of Salem Parks Department has received some great news this week.

The City of Salem has received a $155,000 Community Development Block Grant for the improvement of Northgate Park located at 3260 Northgate Street N. The City of Salem's Urban Development Department administers the CDBG program through funding from the federal Housing and Urban Development Department.

The project is scheduled to begin Spring 2006 and be completed by June 2006. The park improvements will include the installation of safety lighting, walking trails, picnic tables, an irrigated soccer field, a baseball diamond, and ADA accessibility to the playground area.

Wes Bennett Neighborhood Park, a 5.31 acre park, located at 2200 Baxter Road SE, received approval from the City Council to be developed in 2006 with funding from Parks System Development Charges.

Once developed, the park will be a fully functional neighborhood park that will include playground equipment, benches, a drinking fountain, a splash fountain, a basketball court, lights, a picnic table, bike racks and paved trails.

Salem has also been awarded a $335,000 Local Government Grant for the development of Weathers Street Neighborhood Park, located at 4188 Weathers Street NE.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department administers the grant program through funding from the State Lottery Program. Matching funds for the grant are provided from Parks System Development Charges.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2006 and be complete by late fall 2006.

The park will include a sheltered picnic area, multi-use court, open play area, a small wetland enhancement area, pathways, and two age-level play structures.