Improvements To Four Neighborhood Parks Coming This Summer
-05/30/25
SALEM, Ore. — 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.
- 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.
These projects were selected with guidance from the Bond Steering Committee. City of Salem Parks staff provided recommendations to the committee based on the condition of existing structures and areas, how often the parks and amenities are used, and the potential to improve services to residents. Learn more about the selection process at https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond.
“We would like to again thank our voters for supporting the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond and thank our community members for their input in this process,” said Micki Varney, Ward 8 councilor and City Council liaison for the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Maintaining our public infrastructure is essential to a thriving, resilient and welcoming Salem, and community input is an essential part of that investment. These projects in particular reflect what our Parks staff have heard from neighbors over time — the desire for safe, inclusive and relevant spaces to play and gather that will continue to serve generations of residents.
“Thank you for your continued commitment to invest in Salem and support the spaces that help bring our community together.”
City staff appreciate residents’ patience with disruptions during this busy construction season. Some court facilities, play areas and adjacent paths and areas will be closed during construction.
Learn more about the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond at cityofsalem.net/2022bond. More information about park improvements can be found at cityofsalem.net/park-planning.
Hoover Park
Significant upgrades include new court facilities for basketball and a soccer mini-pitch to replace worn and unusable tennis courts. These improvements are part of the City’s broader effort to improve recreational facilities – and access to them – to serve all residents.
Highland Park
Improvements include new tennis and pickleball court facilities; new fencing, lighting and surfacing; and adding two dedicated pickleball courts while keeping one full-sized tennis court.
Livingston Park
Livingston Park is getting a playground upgrade driven by neighbors.
The project will expand the playground to make room for a greater range of play equipment appropriate for children of all ages and different abilities. Completely new play equipment will be fun for all ages. Accessibility improvements are also planned, ensuring everyone can easily reach and enjoy the play space.
More site enhancements will include new seating areas for parents and caregivers. This reflects the City’s shared commitment to play and community connection.
Morningside Park
Morningside Park is getting new, neighbor-selected play equipment, including slides, swings and play structures for all ages. The project also improves paths around the playground and adds an accessible plaza for the existing park picnic tables, supporting inclusive play and gathering.
The City will also fully reconstruct the multi-sport athletic court with a larger surface area, new fencing, new basketball hoops, new tennis posts and net, and pickleball striping. A new drinking fountain will also be installed near the court.
Learn more about these and other park projects funded by the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond.
More to Come
More bond-supported improvements are planned for the future. Later this year, construction is expected to begin at Geer Park. That project includes building a new dog park with separate fenced areas for energetic and timid dogs, improvements to two natural grass soccer fields, the addition of artificial turf in two baseball infields, and a new reservable picnic shelter.
A large new skatepark at Geer Park is also under construction and complements the bond investments. Learn more about the skatepark and Geer Park at https://www.cityofsalem.net/Home/Components/News/News/1478.
Next year, two more bond-funded projects are scheduled to begin construction:
- McKay Park: Upgrades to the two soccer fields, installation of a new reservable picnic shelter and work to support future permanent restrooms planned later in the bond cycle.
- Riverfront Park: Expansion and renovation of the playground with a focus on inclusive design. This high-visibility project is being supported by multiple funding sources, including the parks bond.