Salem Parks & Recreation

10/20/2026

Now that nighttime temperatures are dipping below 40°, the park bathrooms are now winterized and closed until the spring.

10/20/2026

Please be aware that there is a bridge replacement project going on at Waterworth Memorial Park between the duck pond and Metts Field. Walkers can still use the trails by using the walking bridge, but the trail will be closed in the work area for the next couple of days. We ask, for your safety, that people stay away from the work area as heavy equipment and trucks will be moving around.

10/17/2026

Tomorrow is the big day!!! We have a lot of new vendors this year, and many of the same familiar faces we have seen for years. The costume contest is at 2pm, and the trail is open for business from 3-5pm.

We are again collection non perishable items for the Salem Food Pantry. We will have a truck set up at the beginning of the trail to collect any donations. After speaking with the pantry director earlier this week, he mentioned they are most in need of hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, deodorant, etc). They are extremely appreciative of any donations, but these types of donations will help greatly. I was just at the Dollar General, and picked up some things to donate. I noticed there are many products that can be purchased for $1.

The weather looks great for tomorrow, and we are so excited to see all of our friends!

10/15/2026

Our Minion friends called us and his morning to say they would be visiting a new park this month, but they sent 10 new mummy friends in their place. Keep an eye out for them all around Centennial Park. Some of them even glow in the dark.

09/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who walked the StoryTrail with us yesterday. It was perfect weather, and the kids really loved seeing Pigeon.

A very special Thank You to the Salem Public Library and their staff. Without all of you, this could not be possible.

09/23/2026

Just a reminder that the trail is stroller and bug friendly, so please bring your kids and bug spray.

🧥📚 A NEW STORY IS COMING TO THE STORYBOOK TRAIL! 📚🧥

In partnership with Salem Parks & Recreation, we are so excited to introduce the next featured book on the Brightside Storybook Trail — Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors! 💙🧡

As we continue to celebrate the incredible legacy Dolly Parton left for children and literacy, we couldn’t think of a more meaningful story to share with local families.

Inspired by Dolly’s childhood, Coat of Many Colors tells the story of a little girl whose mother lovingly stitches her a coat from colorful scraps of fabric. While others may not see its value, Dolly knows her coat is rich with something far more important....LOVE! It’s a beautiful story about family, gratitude, kindness, resilience, and understanding that our worth isn’t determined by what we have.

And on the Storybook Trail, families won’t just read the story, they’ll get to experience it! 🌳📖

At each kiosk, children will discover the next pages of the book along with an interactive question or activity designed to get families talking, thinking, moving, imagining, and connecting with the story.

Questions along the trail will encourage children to think about things like what makes them feel loved, what makes each of us special, how our words can affect others, and ways we can show kindness.

So grab the kids, take a walk, read together, and experience Coat of Many Colors in a whole new way. ❤️

Dolly believed that books could inspire children to dream, and we’re proud to keep that dream moving forward, one child and one story at a time.

You can walk to Storybook Trail at Waterworth Memorial Park in Salem.

🌞🧡💙

09/23/2026

Any local organizations who would like to participate, please email [email protected] for more details.

09/23/2026

Just a reminder that Story Trail is coming up this Saturday, September 26, from 1-4pm. The trail is stroller and bug friendly, so please bring your children and bug spray.

09/09/2026