News Flash

City officials will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 to celebrate the completion of phase two improvements to Salem Lake.

The improvements, which began in July 2021, were part of the 2018 bond referendum, in which about $2.9 million went to the park. Salem Lake has a 365-acre lake, fishing, and a seven-mile trail.

The project involved tearing down a storage building, removing the old dock and boat slips, and tearing out signs, sidewalks, pavement, and sections of the wall along the lake.  A new 3,400 square-foot, two-story pavilion contains offices, a restroom, and storage. An open-air 3,600-square-foot picnic shelter is located near the playground. There’s a new boat launch dock and boat slips, repairs to the lakefront wall, and a new playground floor.

In addition, there have been general improvements to landscaping, grading, lighting sidewalks, parking lots, steps, and safety at the gated entrance. 

“Salem Lake has long been called a hidden gem. We hope our investment will encourage more people to come out and discover all the park has to offer,” said Robert Prestwood, the city engineer. “Besides activities like fishing, boating, picnicking, and trails, the park is simply a beautiful place to enjoy the views and nature.”