Salem's recreation guide with parks, survival, sports camps opens for registration
Those looking to sign their kids up for summer camps, enroll themselves in a pickleball match, learn survival skills at Minto-Brown Island Park or sharpen their kids' and teens' basketball, soccer, tennis, cheerleading, volleyball or kickball skills can now sign up using the 2024 City of Salem Recreation Guide.
The recreation guide, which is typically open around spring break, was delayed due to budget challenges.
The guide is now available online and will be arriving soon in the mailboxes of past participants.
Classes and activities in the Recreation Guide begin in May.
"Opportunities include a wide variety of sports (track, tennis, pickleball, basketball, soccer and more), plus wilderness and park play activities," city officials said.
Examples include a junior ranger camp for 9- to 12-year-olds that costs $45 a week, the supervised summer parks programs at Englewood, Sumpter and Sunnyslope parks for 5- to 12-year-olds. Sumpter Park will not be available for the last two weeks of the program due to bond construction work.
The parks programs cost $45 a week and typically have different themes such as "sea creatures," "science week," and "carnival week." They are one of the lower-cost options in Salem for parents looking to keep their kids occupied during the summer break.
While most activities continue this year as usual, fee waivers on youth programs have been reduced to 20% in response to General Fund revenue shortfalls.
“While these changes are necessary in light of budget challenges, we want to continue to offer some fee relief for qualifying households,” said Jennifer Kellar, Parks and Recreation Division Manager. “Even with these changes, City of Salem activities are still remarkably affordable in comparison to other available options.”
How to register for Salem's summer recreation activities, classes
Register in person at the Customer Service Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, Room 100.
Register online at egov.cityofsalem.net/ParksRec.
The partial fee waivers are available to people living within the Salem city limits who can provide proof of Oregon Health Plan, Oregon Trail Card or WIC participation. Those interested can call 503-588-6336 to verify eligibility or get more information, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information in multiple languages go to cityofsalem.net/ParksRec.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem's recreation guide with parks, survival, sports camps opens
