Mayor Kimberley Driscoll today announced that the new Forest River Park Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center will officially open to the public on Saturday June 18, 2022.
A public ribbon-cutting event and community celebration will mark the occasion on June 17, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at the new Center in the park, 32 Clifton Avenue, Salem. The event is free and open to all.
“Forest River Park is one of the jewels of our community,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “As a public green space, an athletics facility, and as a destination for fun and recreation, this park has been part of the lives and memories of countless Salem residents. With this new facility at this signature park, Forest River will continue to be a treasured and special place for future generations of Salem residents for decades to come. I am incredibly grateful to all of the community members and stakeholders, City staff, contractors, artists, and other individuals who were part of this project’s successful and much anticipated completion. I’ll see you at the pool!”
The new Forest River Park Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center consists of two new pools, one shallower for children and those taking swim lessons and a deeper pool for recreation and periodic lane swimming, with expanded versatility for programming, zero depth entry points, and a fully accessible chair lift. The Center also features a new splash pad with built-in public art reflecting the natural history of the park, a state-of-the-art pump house, first-aid station, bathrooms, showers, lockers, and a community room. The facility also features a full concession stand, which will offer a lunch menu, ice cream, snacks, and beverages, as well as expanded accessible natural trails through the park. The City of Salem has contracted with the Salem Y to manage the facility.
“The COVID pandemic has revived and reinforced our shared desire for outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities,” said Patricia O’Brien, Salem’s Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. “To see this transformational project, after years of planning and construction, finally come to fruition is incredible. Forest River Park and the pool have been treasured by so many in our community, it will be truly amazing to see it all come to life this summer!”
We are excited to continue our collaboration with the city this summer at the pool at Forest River as we support this incredible resource for children and families,” said Charity Lezama, Executive Director of the Salem Y. “We know it is important for residents to have a way to be outside, stay active, connected, and cool in the summer heat and our Y is dedicated to making this possible. The YMCA’s number one priority at all swimming pools and waterfronts is keeping children and families safe and we are committed to providing lifeguards and swim lessons at the Forest River location all summer long so everyone can have a safe and fun experience.”
“Forest River Park is a treasure in the City of Salem, and this facility is our community's gift to this and the next generations,” said Jenna Ide, Salem’s Director of Capital, Sustainability and Resiliency. “The Forest River Park Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center demonstrates that it’s possible achieve high goals for sustainability, historic preservation, accessibility, education, and resiliency, all in one signature project. I look forward to seeing our community swim, walk, play, learn about nature, picnic, and just relax at this incredible new Center.”
Free Opening Weekends
For two special Opening Weekends, June 18-19 and June 25-26, the Center will be open to Salem residents and free from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Salem residents are invited to come discover the new Center and all the amenities it has to offer.
Rates
For 2022, the pools at the Forest River Park Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center is open to Salem residents only. Currently, non-residents who are guests of Salem residents may access the pools as long as they are accompanied by a Salem resident at time of their visit and they purchase a guest pass ($10 for adults, $5 for children 9 and under).
Click Here To View City Of Salem - Salem Opens New Forest River Park Outdoor Recreation & Nature Centeron June 18
