July 14 City Council Meeting Will Be Virtual -07/08/25

The City of Salem has changed its scheduled July 14 City Council meeting to virtual only.

Air conditioning problems at Loucks Auditorium in Salem Public Library, where the meeting was scheduled to be held, prompted the change.
 

The decision was made for the health and safety of the Salem community with forecasted temperatures next Monday expected to be in the upper 80s to 90s.
 

The meeting can be viewed in real time on the City of Salem YouTube channel. Comcast Cable subscribers can watch on CC:Media Channel 21.
 

The public can submit comments on agenda items by 5 p.m. July 14 at cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net

Public testimony may be provided during the meeting via Zoom. Remote attendees must pre-register between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 14 using this link: https://www.cityofsalem.net/comment-at-council

Paid Parking Comes To Downtown Salem July 10 (Photo) -07/07/25

The City is Converting Parking Downtown to Paid On-Street

• New paid parking meters in Downtown Salem July 10
• Free parking remains available for customers and visitors in downtown parking garages
• New pay stations will accept credit and debit cards in addition to coins for visitors only needing 10 to 20 minutes to grab a cup of coffee or run quick errands downtown
• Beep Beep Salem phone app available to pay for and renew parking time

Salem, Ore. – Starting July 10, visitors to downtown Salem will notice the addition of new parking stations, designed to make parking easier and create frequent availability of on-street parking spaces. In addition to paid on-street parking, the City will continue to provide free customer and visitor parking in the downtown parking structures.

"Metered parking supports more security and cleaning services for downtown Salem,” said Kristin Retherford, Community Planning and Development Director. “Moving from free on-street parking to paid parking can make it easier and more reliable to find parking in the area. Paid on-street parking makes more street spaces available for shoppers by shortening stays in on-street parking spaces, freeing up the space more frequently for new customers."

The new pay stations accept credit and debit cards in addition to coins for visitors only needing 10 to 20 minutes to grab a cup of coffee or run quick errands downtown. The City is also offering a mobile payment option via a new payment app called Beep Beep Salem, available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple iOS. You can download the app and set up your user account for free. A $0.35 fee applies to each transaction using the app, in addition to the $1.50 hourly parking rate. There are no transaction fees for use of a credit card at the pay stations. The cost for parking at an on-street space downtown will be $1.50 an hour and parking will be enforced 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The pay stations are license-plate based, so users will not need to display a receipt.

The downtown paid parking implementation is being paid for through Downtown Urban Renewal funds.

About the Pay Stations:

Need help with the pay stations? We have parking ambassadors and Downtown Enforcement Officers available to answer questions and help you with the new paid parking system.

You can find instructional videos for utilizing the new parking stations and the app as well as a downtown parking map and answers to frequently asked questions online.

About the App:

The new Beep Beep Salem parking app will be available for all on-street pay stations throughout the City including those by the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette University and at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport beginning July 10. Users can download the app via www.beepbeepsalem.com, the Google Play store (Android) or Apple iOS (iPhone) applications. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still pay for parking using the Beep Beep Salem web application by visiting https://salem.flowbirdapp.com and creating a user account. An instructional video about using the app is available.

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 legal 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.

Additional information about the paid parking in Salem is available at www.beepbeepsalem.com. Questions can be emailed to BeepBeep@cityofsalem.net.

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City Begins Work To Add Stability Along Portion Of Shelton Ditch (Photo) -07/03/25

SALEM, Ore. — To help protect nearby private property, the City will begin work July 7 to stabilize embankments of Shelton Ditch between Ford Street SE and 25^th Street SE.

Work will begin on the south embankment of Shelton Ditch between Ford Street SE and 23rd Street SE, which will close the Ford Street SE Bridge over Shelton Ditch starting July 7. Vehicle traffic will be detoured during the closure from Ford Street SE to 25th Street SE.

This work is expected to be completed by the end of August, at which time the bridge will be reopened.

Workers will then move to 24^th Street SE to stabilize the north embankment of Shelton Ditch. During that time, the end of 24^th Street SE will be closed, allowing for local traffic only.

These work areas were identified as priorities in an earlier study of Shelton Ditch that looked at erosion and other conditions that affect the stability of land along the waterway. Landscaping of the two areas will be completed with the project.

The project is funded through stormwater Utility Rates.

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

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.

Bridge-Strengthening Work To Begin On Mission Street SE (Photo) -07/01/25

SALEM, Ore. — Bridge-strengthening work on Misson Street Bridge over Pringle Creek will begin July 1. This Public Works project is expected to be completed in November.

Work will begin under the bridge, then transition to the surface of the bridge at about the end of September. At that time, traffic lanes over the bridge will be shifted to allow work to be completed. This will include two nights when the asphalt surface on the bridge will need to be removed and replaced.

This is the second 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 pedestrian 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.

Geer Park Soccer Fields Rebuild Starts (Photo) -06/20/25

• Work to rebuild Geer Park soccer fields is under way through October.
• The Geer Park parking lot will be closed starting June 23 while the work is done.
• Geer Park will remain accessible via pedestrian paths.

Salem, Ore. – Geer Park’s soccer fields are being rebuilt this year thanks to funding from the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability bond. The parking lot will be closed during construction, which is expected to continue through October 1.
 

Geer Park will remain open, accessible through pedestrian paths.
 

The soccer fields are only part of the bond-funded improvements. A new fenced dog park is planned, with separate areas for energetic and more timid dogs.
 

Artificial turf will be added to the infields of two baseball fields, allowing for both baseball and softball play.
 

A $4.54 million skate park is already under way, funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation grant, and the remainder from park development charges.
 

Geer Park is one of five large community parks providing the entire city with a variety of activities and outdoor recreation. The first part of the park, built in 2005, included sports fields, restrooms and trails.

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Caplinger Road SE To Close To All Traffic For Two Weeks (Photo) -06/20/25

SALEM, Ore. — A portion of Caplinger Road SE will be closed to all traffic in both directions beginning June 23. The closure is expected to last two weeks.

Caplinger Road SE will be closed between Macleay Road SE and Fruitland Meadows Apartments. Only local traffic for seven impacted properties will be allowed within this closed section of the road.

All traffic on Caplinger Road SE will need to detour along Macleay Road SE and Cordon Road SE. Access to Evergreen Village will be available only by Kauai Street SE.

This is the first stage of a project that will continue through October. The project will upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps, streetlights and the stormwater system on Caplinger Road SE. Crews will also install a pedestrian crossing and accessible ramps on Macleay Road SE and improve the sidewalk and curb ramp on 49^th Avenue SE.

The goal of the project is to improve sidewalk connectivity and safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren who use these roads to reach Mary Eyre Elementary School, Miller Elementary School and other community destinations.

Project funding comes from an Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School grant with matching System Development Charges funding from the City of Salem. 

Residents are asked to avoid the project area and work zone, if possible, and to use caution and lower speeds when driving in the work zone. Drivers should follow all traffic control and safety measures at all times.

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/.

City Trees To Receive Preventive Emerald Ash Borer Injections (Photo) -06/18/25

• Door hangers will notify residents of upcoming treatments to City-owned ash trees
• Residents can take steps to protect ash trees on their property

Salem, Ore. – Salem residents may soon see a notice on their doors about the City-owned ash tree(s) adjacent to their homes. The Urban Forestry Division is identifying ash trees that need protection from the emerald ash borer pest, which is harming trees throughout Oregon.
 

The notice informs residents that the City will inject the ash tree adjacent to their home every two years to protect it from the emerald ash borer. The hanger will also indicate whether the tree has been inspected or treated.
 

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The emerald ash borer is a harmful beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. Adult beetles lay their eggs on the trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow under the bark and feed on the tree. This feeding cuts off the tree’s supply of water and nutrients, leading to its death.
 

Marion County and other counties in Oregon have been under a permanent quarantine since the emerald ash borer was detected here in August 2024. Since then, City staff has been working on plans to manage the emerald ash borer for street trees and natural areas.
 

Staff members recently received training on how to apply preventive injections. They will start injecting city trees this summer. The injections use a special insecticide that travels through the tree and kills the insects.

Questions?

The City’s emerald ash borer web page provides more information and guidance on how to best protect your ash trees from infestation. Or contact Salem Urban Forestry Division at urbanforestry@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6332.

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Bridge-Strengthening Projects To Begin Across Salem -06/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Starting next week with Liberty Street NE, City of Salem Public Works will begin strengthening four area bridges using funds from the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond.

Beginning June 16 and continuing through November, workers will strengthen the bridges to allow heavier trucks to safely pass over local waterways. These bridges are:

• Liberty Street NE over Mill Creek
• 17^th Street NE over Mill Creek
• 15th Street NE over Mill Creek
• Mission Street SE over Pringle Creek

Liberty Street NE over Mill Creek will be the first bridge under construction. The contractor will close the southbound lane to allow for equipment and materials staging to perform the work. Traffic Alerts and other information will be released as other projects begin.

Drivers and pedestrian should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic control signage. There will be lane shifting on 17th Street NE and Mission Street SE during construction, single lane closure on Liberty Street NE during construction, and street closure on 15th Street NE.

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.

Lone Oak Road SE To Close For Gas Line Installation (Photo) -06/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Road work on Lone Oak Road SE will include weekday lane closures and one weekend total road closure June 21-22.

Starting June 9, the southbound lane of Lone Oak Road SE is closed between Kuebler Boulevard SE and Khartoum Street SE weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, Lone Oak Road SE will be closed between Kuebler Boulevard SE and Khartoum Street SE June 21-22 for the installation of a gas line. Traffic will be detoured to Liberty Road S and then Holder Lane SE.  

These closures will allow for NW Natural Gas to install a new high-pressure regulator. This work is projected to be completed by the end of August. 

Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage and watch for workers in the area.

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.

Check Out The Best Ways To Enjoy 4th Of July Fireworks In Salem -06/11/25

• Don’t miss the free 4^th of July Spectacular fireworks display at the fairgrounds.
• Celebrating at home? Follow these safety rules to avoid related injury and fire damage

Salem, Ore. – Summer temperatures, dry conditions and risk of injury make it important to use fireworks safely.  This July, enjoy a free 4^th of July Spectacular fireworks display at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.

In Salem, we depend on the community to use fireworks responsibly and legally. Especially on the 4^th of July, fireworks complaints can overwhelm emergency call centers and stretch the limits of emergency responders. We need your help keeping emergency responders available for urgent life-saving needs in our community. 

To report Illegal fireworks at specific addresses, please call the Salem Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 503-588-6111 ext. 1.

As we near the 4^th of July festivities and celebrations, we ask you to limit fireworks-related 9-1-1 calls only to:

• Injuries
• Fires

Looking for a spectacular display? Visit the fairgrounds

The 4^th of July Spectacular at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center offers a free fireworks display. Gates open at 4 p.m., offering plenty of time for family fun before the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. You can buy fair food like corn dogs and cotton candy and enjoy rides on more than a dozen attractions provided by Rainier Amusement.

Tickets are also available for a Lil Jon concert with the Ying Yang Twins at the L.B. Day Amphitheater. General parking costs $10 per car, and VIP parking costs $20 per car.

The City of Salem funds the free fireworks show through a grant from Transient Occupancy Taxes. These taxes come from hotel and short-term lodging rentals.

Celebrating at home? Stay safe with these tips

Each year, Salem Fire responds to many fireworks-related incidents. Some cause significant damage to vehicles and buildings. More concerning are fireworks-related injuries. Children and teens are most likely to suffer a fireworks-related injury. Here are some tips to avoid injury or other damage:

• Use only legal fireworks purchased at licensed fireworks sellers between June 23 and July 6.
• Store fireworks out of children’s reach.
• Keep pets indoors so they won’t run away if frightened.
• Read and follow directions on the firework’s label.
• Allow only adults to light fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Don’t throw fireworks or hold them in your hand.
• Keep a garden hose and bucket of water nearby to quench used fireworks.
• Don’t pour this water into the street; it can carry fireworks debris untreated into local streams.

And please remember, fireworks are not allowed in city and state parks.

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Movies In The Park Return In July And August (Photo) -06/11/25

Salem, Ore. – Movies in the Park are returning to select Fridays at Riverfront Park’s Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in July and August 2025! Here’s this year’s lineup of family-friendly movies:

• July 11, sunset (about 9 p.m.), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, PG-13, 2 hours
• July 25, sunset (about 8:45 p.m.), Inside Out 2, PG, 1 hour 36 minutes
• Aug. 8, sunset (about 8:30 p.m.), The Wild Robot, PG, 1 hour 42 minutes
• Aug. 29, sunset (about 8 p.m.), Wicked, PG, 2 hours 40 minutes

Bring a blanket or low-back chair. Alcohol and smoking/vaping are not allowed.
 

Donations are collected at the amphitheater entrance for each show or donate any time through PayPal.
 

Details: https://salemor.gov/freemovies

Salem Public Archaeology Open House June 13 (Photo) -06/10/25

See excavation site and recovered artifacts

Salem, Ore. – Join the public Archaeology Open House on June 13, 2025, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Willamette University. See our excavation site and recovered artifacts at the former Oregon Indian Mission Manual Labor School on Willamette University’s campus (east of Smullin Hall, 900 State Street, Salem).

Salem's public archaeology project is focusing on investigating the site of the former Oregon Indian Mission Manual Labor School on Willamette University's campus. A Certified Local Government (CLG) grant awarded to the City of Salem's Historic Landmarks Commission from Oregon Heritage is funding this public archaeology project.

The site is being explored by our Historic Preservation Program and community partners including Willamette University, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Oregon Archaeological Society. The site on the Willamette University campus is believed to be where the Methodists' 1841 Indian Manual Labor Training School was located.

In 1841-42, Methodist missionaries built two buildings in the vicinity. One structure that would come to be known as the Parsonage, was originally located near where the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill Building stands today. The second was originally known as the Indian Manual Labor Training School. In 1844, it became the Oregon Institute. Finally, in 1853 it became known as Willamette University.

Through several non-invasive surveying techniques and excavation, archaeologists are hoping to identify the location of these two buildings and to provide greater context to their original purposes through significant moments and places in Tribal history and Euro-American settlement of Salem.

Learn more about the Oregon Mission Indian Manual Labor Training School Archaeology Project.

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