Several bond-funded projects have launched simultaneously with crews are tearing up concrete at McKay Park and stabilizing creek banks at Bailey Ridge Park.
Salem's $300 million Safety and Livability bond, approved by voters in November 2022, is funding new park amenities, road rehabilitation, a playground expansion, and sewer work across the city.
Civic Center retrofit: $1.5M added after electrical discovery
The Civic Center seismic retrofit, allocated $39.4 million from the bond, continues with interior plumbing and wiring. In May 2026, city councilors approved an additional $1.5 million to address electrical issues discovered during construction, according to Salem Reporter. Six shear walls are being installed to seismically strengthen the building, along with new HVAC, plumbing systems, and a roof replacement. The city announced in February 2026 that it anticipates moving back into the renovated space in early 2027.
McKay Park: New shelter, restrooms, soccer fields
Work is underway at McKay Park, where crews are removing old concrete hardscape and replacing it with expanded paths, a new shelter with picnic tables and benches, a food truck pad with water and electrical hookups, and two prefabricated steel restrooms. The two soccer fields adjacent to McKay High School will get new drainage, irrigation, and fresh natural grass turf. The east parking lot is closed to the public through the end of November 2026.
Bailey Ridge Park: Creek restoration, new trail
Starting in July 2026, crews at Bailey Ridge Park will build a paved path connecting Illahe Court South to Tayside Street South, constructed as a series of switchbacks descending through a forested hillside. The project also restores Chambers Creek by stabilizing eroding banks and planting native vegetation to improve habitat for aquatic life. The city has not announced a completion date for the Bailey Ridge project.
Commercial Street SE and Doaks Ferry Road NW
Drivers on Commercial Street SE between 12th Street Cutoff SE and Boone Road SE face a reduced 30 mph speed limit and periodic night work through November 2026. The project includes resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, striping, signal modifications, and waterline replacement, according to a city traffic alert.
Doaks Ferry Road NW between Brush College Drive NW and Emerald Drive NW will see pavement rehabilitation through September 2026. Both road projects are funded by the bond and utility rates.
More projects in motion
The Riverfront Park playground renovation is underway, with an accessible play area scheduled to open by late summer 2026. The project is funded through park development charges, bond dollars, and a state grant from the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation.
Downtown, the Streetscape project is replacing sidewalks, installing pedestrian-level lighting, and adding larger planter areas. Along Center Street NE between Church Street and 12th Street, a brick sewer rehabilitation is scheduled for completion by early September 2026.
What to know
The Bond Oversight Steering Committee overseeing these projects includes Mayor Julie Hoy, Councilors Linda Nishioka and Micki Varney, and community members Bob Cortright and Mike Herron. Residents should expect shifted travel lanes, rerouted pedestrian paths, and some delays near all active sites.
While the Civic Center is under renovation, the Customer Service Center operates at 440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Salem Municipal Court is temporarily at 2850 Broadway Street NE.
