Responsibilities: Oversee the maintenance and operation of all city parks; schedule activities at both the parks and the Memorial Building.

Welcome to Salem's Parks

Nature Center at Waterworth Memorial Park

Salem's park system, containing over 300 acres of ground, and the recreation program are open to all who wish to enjoy them. Activities are offered in all fields of interest, including both active and passive recreation. Please accept this as our personal invitation to make use of the facilities. We ask only that you care for them properly.

The Salem Parks and Recreation Department and the World War Memorial Building ("Memorial Building") operate under a joint administration of the Board of Park Commissioners and the Board of Trustees of the World War Memorial Building Association to supply a coordinated, year-round program of parks and recreation. The day-to-day management of both sections of the organization is the responsibility of the Director of Parks and Recreation and the department staff.

The Memorial Building

The Memorial Building was a gift from W. H. Mullins to the citizens of Salem and was first opened as a community center in 1924. It is the headquarters of the Parks and Recreation Department and hosts a variety of indoor recreation programs throughout the year. It is the home of many of Salem's organizations and clubs.

Location: 785 East State Street

Centennial Park (35 acres)

Centennial Park is located on East State Street, near the downtown area, and is our oldest and most developed park.

It contains picnic shelters, which may be reserved, picnic tables, grills, lighted basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, including a new, wooden play area called "Swings & Things," two ball fields, scenic areas, and large shade trees. The outdoor pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but the park is open and used all year. Our shelters may be used for community and private events. The rolling hills in this park make an ideal area for sled riding for the smaller children.

Location: Main entrance runs along Park Drive off of East State Street; park is bordered on the east by Park Avenue, on the west by South Union Avenue, and on the south by Maple Street. Oak and Pershing Streets run through the park.

Waterworth Memorial Park (37 acres)

About 20 acres of this park has been developed for use by the community, and future developments are continuously eyed. The park contains five ball fields, lighted tennis courts, practice wall, play areas, picnic pavilions, grills, sand volleyball court, duck pond, concession stand, water fountain, and restrooms. The park is also home for the maintenance building.

The Memorial Civic Center (band shell) was dedicated May 22, 1971. It was erected as a community action project, sponsored and build by the Chamber of Commerce, designer Earl Orashan, Howard Pardee, Director of the Quaker City American Legion Band, the US Navy Seabees, and many dedicated volunteers.

Location: Main entrance is from East School Street on the south side of the park. The park also may be accessed on the north side by Sunset Blvd. It is bordered on the east by North Lincoln Avenue, on the west by North Ellsworth Avenue, on the south by East Eighth Street, and on the north by Sunset Blvd.

W. H. Mullins Park (2 acres)

Mullins Park (formerly known as Cedar Park) is a small children's play area. At present, swings, slides, and a large sand box make this a pleasant place for small tots. Picnic facilities are included for lunch meals.

Location: Main entrance is on South Lincoln Avenue, and Cedar Street borders the park on the south side.

Kelley Park (5 acres)

Kelley Park is named after Joe M. Kelley, the first Director of Salem's parks system. Mr. Kelley served the system from 1924 until his death in 1951.

The park is a school-park complex, with Prospect School located on the grounds. The only lighted softball field in the community is located here along with summer playground equipment. It is also an ideal place for winter sledding.

Location: Main entrance is a private drive off of Prospect Street, right next to Prospect Elementary School.

Eagleton's Glen Recreation Area (Undeveloped - 70 acres)

This area, located six miles south of Salem, is the site of the Teegarden covered bridge. At one time, a small community was here, and a mill sat by the iron bridge just north of the covered bridge.

The bridge is maintained by the county, and at present, only a small picnic area is maintained. The land is owned by the Salem Utilities Department, but the picnic area is maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department. Future plans for the area include hiking, picnic space, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. The land follows the Middle Fork Little Beaver Creek from near State Route 45 to the pumping station.

Location: Travel south on South Ellsworth Avenue, which turns into Depot Road after exiting city limits. Cross the bypass, continuing south for approximately 4.5 miles to Teegarden Road. Turn east onto Teegarden Road, continuing for approximately 2 miles to Eagleton Road. Turn south onto Eagleton Road, and you will see the covered bridge and picnic area immediately.

Salem City Lake (220 acres)

Cold Run Reservoir (aka Salem City Lake) is Salem's main water supply and also a source of recreation. Projects on the land are operated by the Parks and Recreation Department, under the supervision of the Utilities Department.

The area is located eight miles south of Salem and provides an outdoor recreation center for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It is open from mid-April the last Sunday in September and is operated on a fee basis: charges are made for use of the lake and for fishing.

Location: Travel south on South Ellsworth Avenue, which turns into Depot Road after exiting city limits. Cross the bypass, continuing south for approximately 4.5 miles to Teegarden Road. Turn east onto Teegarden Road, continuing for approximately 1.5 miles to Gamble Road. Turn south onto Gamble Road and travel approximately 1 mile to the lake's main entrance.