Salem's public parks are a beautiful addition to the City. To ensure our parks are enjoyable for everyone, there are a few rules to keep in mind.

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in Salem parks. This includes parking lots located on park property. E-cigarettes, marijuana, and cannabis products are not allowed either.

Alcohol

Alcohol is allowed in reservable areas and it must stay within 100 feet of those reserved areas. To have alcohol with the reservation, apply for an alcohol permit. The alcohol permit has an associated fee.

Barbeques

Portable stoves and barbeque grills are welcome. Hot coals must be removed from the park unless an ash can is available on-site. Small portable barbeques are not allowed on the grass or tables. Please do not wash out your barbeque at the park.

Dogs

Four-legged friends are welcome in City parks. Scoop and leash laws apply. Designated off-leash dog park areas are located within Cascades Gateway, Minto-Brown Island and Orchard Heights parks.

Sound equipment use

A small speaker is allowed, but use of larger amplified sound equipment, like a public address system, will need an approved sound permit and has associated fees.

Tents and canopies

Small backyard canopies for shade and protection from the rain are allowed. If the tent or canopy needs to be staked to the ground, locating the irrigation lines may be required in advance of the park permit, this service has associated fees. A tent or canopy permit is required if a tent is 400 square feet or more, or if the canopy is 700 feet or more, and has associated fees.

Inflatable structures (bouncy houses)

While allowed in reservable areas, an irrigation locate request is required in advance on the park permit and has associated fees. A few reservable areas do not have sufficient electrical power and the permittee may need to bring a generator.

Electrical service

Access to electricity at an event held in the park must be requested in advance on the park permit.

Reservable areas without electricity exist in Bush's Pasture Park at the Rose Garden Gazebo, Lower Leffelle Picnic Area, and Phillips' Field.

Dunk tanks

Not allowed on City property.

Minto Island Conservation Area

Special rules apply within Minto Island Conservation Area, which connects Riverfront Park to Minto Brown Island Park. Please review the MICA event restrictions prior to completing an event permit application that includes use of this trail.

Additional information

For additional detail, you can refer to Parks Rules and Regulations.