City of Salem

USA TODAY readers honored Minto-Brown Island Park with third place on its nationwide Best Dog Park Readers' Choice Award competition, announced today. Fiesta Island, San Diego's 90-acre fenced off-leash park took top honors, while Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Georgia took second featuring artificial turf, and doggie splash fountains. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gBArdEhf Minto-Brown is still clearly tops in our hearts. Publicity from the contest resulted in dozens of 5-star rankings from visitors to the park. "One of the reasons I am proud to serve the City of Salem is its impressive network of parks and outdoor activities for all residents," said Mayor Chris Hoy. "Minto-Brown Island Park is an amazing asset with fishing access, trails, play structures and incredible views. I love taking the opportunity to walk and relax in this beautiful space. I also love how Salem recognizes that we are committed to providing access to all of our residents – elders, youth and our furry friends. I am proud that this park has received this well-deserved recognition.” Oregon proved itself a dog-loving state, placing three community dog parks on the top 10 list, more than any other state. Independence placed 10th on the list and Albany placed eighth.

Due to the extreme heat, garbage haulers may be picking up earlier than usual in your area. Please put carts out the night before to avoid getting missed. Call your hauler or Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association (503-390-4000) if you have questions.

So much is happening around the City of Salem this week!! Salem Connection will answer these questions: • What’s the schedule for 4th of July? • How can I protect myself from the heat? • How’d we do in the dog park contest? • How can I get some cool summer recipes? • When do the free movies start? (Hint: It’s soon!) • How are we working to improve traffic safety around Salem? • What affordable housing projects may get help from bond funding? Read and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/g-KQDEgM

UPDATE: The ARCHES Project plans to have its drop-in Day Center at 615 Commercial Street NE open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. when temperatures exceed 95 degrees, otherwise until their usual 4 p.m. Heat in excess of 95 degrees is predicted for July 5-9 in the current forecast, with the possibility of July 4 exceeding its 94-degree forecast. When temperatures reach 90 degrees, targeted outreach begins by providing unshelter individuals with water and electrolytes, helping with cooling center navigation, assessing individuals for signs of heat-related illness, and contacting proper emergency medical personnel when those signs are present. FROM JULY 2: Temperatures are predicted to climb above 100 over the weekend in the Salem area. We're offering the following information to help avoid heat illness: 10 Safety Tips for Summer Heat: https://lnkd.in/gijVRT-Q Day Center Services: https://lnkd.in/gxK3snD2 Some Day Center locations will serve as cooling centers during the heat: Salem Kroc Center at 1856 Bill Frey Drive NE, of Cherriots Route 23, will open its community room as a cooling center from 1 p.m. to closing Friday and Saturday (9 p.m. closing) and Sunday (6 p.m. closing. The site has air conditioning, cold water, movies and activities for all ages. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Do you live in the area near Hoover Park? If so, we need your input to help guide makeover of the park tennis courts, located at 1250 Savage Road NE. We're preparing to replace these worn-out courts with new facilities that are fun and safe for the surrounding neighborhood. Funds from the Safety and Livability Bond passed by voters in 2022 are paying for the project. Please take a few minutes by July 23 to answer questions that will help guide us in improving the courts. The survey closes July 23. English: https://lnkd.in/gB6DT3Xw Spanish: https://lnkd.in/geC6iiER

Temperatures are predicted to climb above 100 over the weekend in the Salem area. We're offering the following information to help avoid heat illness: 10 Safety Tips for Summer Heat: https://lnkd.in/gijVRT-Q Day Center Services: https://lnkd.in/gxK3snD2 Some Day Center locations will serve as cooling centers during the heat: Salem Krok Center at 1856 Bill Frey Drive NE, of Cherriots Route 23, will open its community room as a cooling center from 1 p.m. to closing Friday and Saturday (9 p.m. closing) and Sunday (6 p.m. closing. The site has air conditioning, cold water, movies and activities for all ages. Sorry, no pets allowed. For other shelter locations, on the day in question call (971) 304-9211 or email emergencyservices@mwvcaa.org. Be safe, watch out for your family and neighbors, and stay cool!

Salem Outreach and Livability Services (SoS) team addressed areas at the mouth of Mill Creek, First Street and Downtown last week and this week is focusing on: -Cascades Gateway Park -Under Mill Creek Bridge -14th and Mission below the overpass The SoS Team provides direct outreach to those living unsheltered, to share resources and alternative options to assist property owners with those who may be trespassing on private property, and to pick up trash. Learn more about cooling centers and the Grants Pass supreme court case in the full weekly update at https://lnkd.in/gxK3snD2

World Beat livened up the Riverfront Park Amphitheater this weekend with a focus on Ukraine and entertainment representing cultures worldwide. David Barker photos

Most Salem City offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. If you need to report problems with your street, water or sewer service, call our 24-hour Public Works line at 503-588-6311. If you need to report a crime or need police assistance, please call our non-emergency line at 503-588-6123; press 1. If you have an immediate emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Don't leave home until you read this week's Salem Connection. We'll answer these important questions: How do I avoid construction zones? Where do I find 4th of July entertainment? Are my fireworks legal? What's going on at the ball park? Who are those people wading upstream? Where's the WOW Van now? What am I carrying in my pocket that could catch fire? Be ready for anything! Read and subscribe to the Salem Connection: https://lnkd.in/gYRJBx_M #SalemORNews #Entertainment #Construction #CityLife