Salem-News.com Parks And Recreation articles Page 2

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.

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.

Volunteers Sought to Patrol Area Parks

(SALEM) - The City of Salem Parks Department Volunteer Park Patrol applications are now being accepted for Minto-Brown Island Park Patrol and Cascades Gateway Park Patrol.

Volunteers walk, jog, bicycle and exercise their dogs as they keep our parks healthy and safe.

Being a park patrol member is a fun way to enjoy nature and get exercise, and the flexible scheduling fits almost every one.

Historic SP&S 700 Steam Engine Comes to Salem (VIDEO)

Thousands brave the heat to take a look at massive steam engine.

(SALEM) - Thousands, from the young to the old, gathered Saturday morning at Salem’s Riverfront Park, to await the arrival of the SP&S 700 Steam Engine that was coming to town as part of the second annual SP&S 700 Rail Safety Faire. Train buffs find this particular locomotive among the most interesting...

Tickets Now Available For Event to Benefit Salem Parks

All proceeds from the Autumn Flavors event will go to the improvement of Salem parks.

(SALEM) - The Salem Parks Foundation is partnering with South Central Association of Neighbors, or SCAN, to raise funds to benefit Salem parks.

Tickets are now available for the Autumn Flavors event, which will be held on Saturday, September 30th, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Willamette Valley Vineyards, 880 Enchanted Way SE, in Turner.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, which includes fine wine, finger foods, great silent auction items as well as an afternoon of entertainment in the high hills of the beautiful Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Look, Listen And Live! SP&S 700 Rail Safety Faire in Salem on Saturday

In May 2005, a similar event drew more than 4,000 rail fans to the siding area adjacent to the park to experience one of America's biggest pieces of rail history up close.

(SALEM) - The 2nd Annual SP&S 700 Rail Safety Faire takes place at Salem's Riverfront Park Saturday, September 2nd.

Several thousand train buffs are expected to line the tracks to watch the big steam engine's trip south.

In January, the engine was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The SP&S 700 received this honor because it is a working example of the peak of proven steam and rail technology as it was at the end of the Age of Steam.

Silver Creek Falls State Park Offers Something For Everyone

Nestled in the mountains east of Salem, the waterfalls at Silver Creek Falls are one of the most popular natural attractions in the Salem area.

(SILVERTON) - Nestled in the lower elevation of Oregon's Cascade Mountains lies a temperate rain forest.

It is here that the Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail can be found.

The Canyon Trail and the falls descend to a forest floor covered with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.

You will also find stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar.

While thousands visit the park every year, it is large enough for you to find quiet places to sit and watch for birds.

The Canyon Trail is a nationally recognized trail system that leads hikers along the banks of the north and south forks of Silver Creek.

It takes you to 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand South Falls (177 feet), to the delicate Drake Falls (27 feet).

Four of the falls have an amphitheater-like surrounding where you can walk behind the falls and feel the misty, crisp spray.

Enjoy Oregon State Parks For Free on Saturday

The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on the heritage, use, development and funding of Oregon's state park system.

(SALEM) - "GO PLAY!" ... in a state park, for free.

The invitation from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is good for the ninth annual State Parks Day on Saturday at all of its day-use areas, and for camping in its full hookup (sewer, electricity and water), electrical hookup (electricity and water) and tent sites.

In recognition of National Trail's Day on the same date Governor Kulongoski will help observe the day by cutting the ribbon on the newest section of Willamette River Water Tail at 10:00 AM in a public ceremony at Marshall Island south of Junction City.