In October 2023, WSNA prior Parks board member Linda Bierly submitted our letter of intent for the Salem Parks Improvement Fund. The Salem Park Improvement Fund (SPIF) provides funding opportunities for Salem’s neighborhood associations to make local park improvements. Applications must be submitted by one of the 18 neighborhood associations recognized by the City of Salem.

The SPIF committee has met and reviewed our 2023-25 SPIF Letter of Intent Submissions.

What was proposed:

  1. Edgewater Parkway – Park sign identifying Edgewater Parkway; receptacle container, information kiosk.
  2. Orchard Heights Park – Path repair along Glenn Creek and bridge over Glenn Creek streambed.
  3. West Salem Park – Street mural on the intersection of Plaza St NW and Magnolia Ct NW.

What was accepted/denied:

Accepted:

  1. Edgewater Parkway – Park sign identifying Edgewater Parkway; receptacle container, information kiosk.

Denied:

  1. Orchard Heights Park – Path repair along Glenn Creek and bridge over Glenn Creek streambed. This project is beyond the scope and financial resources of a SPIF project.
  2. West Salem Park – Street mural on the intersection of Plaza St NW and Magnolia Ct NW. This project is not located in a park, but rather a right-of-way, and beyond the authority of Parks and Recreation Division and would not qualify for a SPIF grant award. The street mural program is not under the authority of the Parks and Recreation Division. We would  recommend you contact Keith Bondaug-Winn at  kbondaug@cityofsalem.net  as he is the liaison for the Salem Public Arts Commission and this potentially would be overseen by that entity.

Next steps:

Pamela (WSNA Parks) will ensure that the next phase of the SPIF application is completed. The deadline for application for funds is January 31, 2024.