Salem-News.com Parks And Recreation articles

Albany to Host Public Forum on Bike Park

Local BMX riders asked for a bike park at the March 5th Parks & Recreation Commission meeting

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Albany Parks & Recreation staff will host a public forum and workshop to consider creating a bike park in Albany.

The forum is intended to identify the needs and related issues of those with a stake in the building of a bike park, including skaters, BMX bikers, donors, public safety officials, parents, neighbors, and event organizers.

Toppled Trees, Landslides Force Trail Closures at Silver Falls State Park

Although, visitors are not able to hike the loop in its entirety, all waterfalls are still viewable.

(SILVERTON, Ore. ) - A short section of Silver Falls State Park's Canyon Trail and all trails in the south side of the park will remain closed this weekend in the aftermath of a windstorm that toppled trees and created mini-landslides there earlier this week.

Approximately three quarters of a mile of the Canyon Trail, between its intersection with the Maple Ridge Trail near Lower South Falls and its intersection with a spur leading to Double Falls, sustained serious damage from fallen trees.

Salem Teens Beat the Heat by Bike Jumping into Willamette River

Some call the practice too dangerous; cops can’t do anything to stop it; those doing it call it good clean fun.

(SALEM, Ore.) - To some it may look too dangerous, but to a group of Salem, Oregon teens this is just another sport, and it’s a fun and exciting way to beat the summer heat.

The teens, are using the Salem Riverfront Park public boat dock ramp as a runway to launch themselves, and their bikes, into the cool waters of the Willamette River.

River Rhythms Free Concert Series Lineup Set

This year's lineup includes Eddie Money, Curtis Salgado, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Albany Parks & Recreation has announced the lineup for the 24th season of the River Rhythms concert series.

River Rhythms concerts take place on Thursdays at Monteith Riverpark in downtown Albany. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Performances begin at 7:00 PM. The blanket seating area opens at 4:00 PM.

Today is the 27TH Anniversary of the Mt. Saint Helens Eruption

Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown down or buried beneath volcanic deposits.

(TOUTLE, Wash.) - At 8:32 AM Sunday morning, May 18th, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted.

Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche.

Fifty-seven people were killed; and 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways and 185 miles of highway were destroyed.

Popular Salem Park to Close During Construction of New Water Treatment Facility

These improvements are required to be in effect on or before January 1st, 2010.

(SALEM) - Beginning Monday, River Road Park at 3045 River Road North will be closed for construction of the River Road Wet Weather Treatment Facility.

Major improvements to the park will also be completed during this period.

The Wet Weather Treatment Facility project is part of Salem's plan to comply with a Mutual Agreement and Order (MAO) by the Department of Environmental Quality in 1998 to reduce pollution in the Willamette River by eliminating sewer overflows that currently enter the river untreated during heavy winter storms.

Public Input Sought on Three Pools Day Use Area Improvements

Three Pools, the popular summertime attraction east of Salem attracts over 600 visitors on hot summer days resulting in litter, soil erosion, trampled vegetation, and traffic congestion.

(SALEM) - The popular “Three Pools” swimming area located just a half hour east of Salem on the Little North Fork of the Santiam is well loved and in fact, attracts so many visitors that the current parking and other facilities can not safely accommodate everyone.

In an ongoing effort to improve safety and resource conditions the Detroit Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest proposes to construct a gravel loop road with parking spaces for about 100 vehicles.

According to Paul Matter, Detroit District Ranger, “Currently, traffic congestion stems from overflow parking on the main road; vehicles block other vehicles, inconveniencing visitors, hindering emergency access, and reducing our ability to respond to emergency and other situations.”

State Parks Seeking Comments on Plan For Luckiamute State Natural Area

The area covered by the master plan draft includes the 523-acre Luckiamute Landing and nearly 400 acres of neighboring Willamette River Greenway lands purchased by OPRD. The properties lie on both sides of the Polk-Benton county line.

(SALEM) - Public meetings Nov. 15th in Monmouth and Nov. 16th in Salem will provide opportunities to comment on a revised Oregon Parks and Recreation Department master plan draft for managing a state natural area at the confluence of the Luckiamute and Willamette rivers.

The Nov. 15th meeting will be at the Monmouth Library, 168 S. Ecols.

The Nov. 16th Salem session will be at OPRD headquarters in the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street N.E., in room 124. Both meetings will begin at 6:00 PM.

Recreation Fees Waived For Vets on Veterans Day

This fee waiver applies to day-use fees at Forest Service recreation sites across Oregon and Washington. This includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers.

(SALEM) - Beginning this year, U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will have the opportunity to visit recreation sites for free across public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture on Veterans Day.

The new policy honoring those who served their country was announced recently by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov. 11th.

Volunteers Sought For National Make a Difference Day Event

"Take Pride in America" 15th Annual Make a Difference Day takes place Saturday.

(SALEM) - The City of Salem Parks Operations Division is looking for groups or individuals to participate in the 15th Annual Make a Difference Day. Volunteers will be improving trails at Minto-Brown Island Park from 9:00 AM to noon on Saturday.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership that engages & supports volunteers who work to improve public lands. Groups and individuals are welcome.