Joe Siess - Salem Reporter

City pauses hiring for critical community violence reduction coordinator  

As local organizations and the faith community work to employ tactics like community peace walks to help curb violence in Salem, the city is struggling to hire for what is considered a key role in advancing its months-long community violence reduction efforts. The city has paused its recruitment until after a special report on the community efforts is presented to city council in November.

Crowded, aging Riverfront Park playground will be upgraded in 2026 

The city of Salem was just awarded a $770,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help make much needed upgrades to the 26-year-old playground at Riverfront Park. The new playground concept which evokes local Salem and Oregon wildlife, includes new special equipment, and a realignment of the park pathway that currently cuts through the playground area.