Project Background

High Street Park, established in 1928, is an approximately half-acre public park located between Pratt Street and Margin Street, just south of Downtown Salem. The Park is a critical green space for Salem residents, playing a central role in the City's efforts to provide recreation opportunities for all. The renovation of High Street Park will aim to design the Park for resilience against climate threats, encourage connection between various neighborhood organizations, and create a welcoming, universally designed park for all ages.

The City is developing concept designs through collaboration between community members, stakeholders, and project consultants. The City wants your input! Please take a moment to complete the user survey below to help inform the direction of this project.

Why is the project needed?

High Street Park's playground was installed in 2010, with the wood-roofed, concrete-post pavilion constructed in the 1960s. While the basketball court was repaved in 2020, the play structure will need to be replaced to meet current design guidelines, and the Park will need to be revamped to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Renovations are needed to address safety concerns, provide accessibility improvements, and create a better quality park for all users.

How will the project be funded?

The City is leveraging multiple funding sources for this project. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been allocated to complete the project's initial concept design phase. The City will use concept designs created from community input to apply for the Commonwealth's Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program. The PARC program's FY 2027 Grant Round may reimburse up to $425,000 in eligible construction expenses towards the Park's renovation. The PARC program would provide almost two dollars for every dollar the City allocates towards the project's construction. Further funding requested under the Community Preservation Act (CPA) will allow for concept design finalization from late 2026 until construction in 2027.

How can I get involved?

The City is gathering community members' input about needs, priorities, and desires for the Park. Please fill out the user survey below, which will inform renovation priorities. The City will hold community meetings to gather additional thoughts, ideas, and perspectives from community members, and the Mayor has invited community representatives to participate in a working group guiding the Park's renovation. Updates will be provided regularly on the High Street Park Renovation webpage.

For additional details or questions about the project, please contact the project manager, Brennan Postich, at bpostich@salem.com, or call the Department of Planning and Community Development at 978-619-5685.

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live
Concept Plan Development and Community Input

March 2026 - July 2026
The City gathers input from community members, alongside collaboration with the High Street Park working group, to develop a concept plan for the Park's renovation.

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Park & Recreation Commission Meeting I

May 2026 - June 2026
The City requests concept design approval from the Park & Recreation Commission at the May 19, 2026 meeting, and if applicable, a second meeting on June 16, 2026. Members of the public can provide input by commenting at the public meeting.

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planned
PARC Grant Program Application

July 2026 - November 2026
Division of Conservation Services (DCS) Staff review the City-submitted PARC proposal. Awards are estimated to be announced on or about 120 days after the grant application deadline.

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planned
Final Design Development and Community Input

November 2026 - May 2027
The City procures a design architect to finalize concept designs created in collaboration with community members, organizations, and stakeholders.

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planned
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting II

March 2027 - May 2027
The City requests final design approval from the Park & Recreation Commission between March 2027 and May 2027. Members of the public can provide input by commenting at the public meeting.

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planned
Construction Bidding

May 2027 - July 2027
The construction bidding process is projected to begin in May 2027 and finish in July 2027.

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planned
Construction Begins

July 2027 - 
Fiscal Year 2027 PARC funding becomes available for the construction of a renovated High Street Park.

 

What community do you live in?

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What neighborhood do you live in?

What is your age?

Poll question: What is your age?. Select one option.
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How often do you visit High Street Park?

Poll question: How often do you visit High Street Park?. Select one option.
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Is this the park that you or your family use most often?

Poll question: Is this the park that you or your family use most often?. Select one option.
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What other parks do you or your family frequently visit?

How do you typically get to High Street Park?

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What activities do you do most often at High Street Park? Please choose all that apply.

Poll question: What activities do you do most often at High Street Park? Please choose all that apply.. Select one or more options.
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I wish High Street Park had:

Please click each option in order of importance to you:

How would you describe the accessibility of High Street Park?

How would you describe the safety of High Street Park?

Rate the quality of the following amenities by checking the box most closely meeting your thoughts:

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For any amenities you rated poorly, please elaborate on what needs to be improved.

What would you like to see improved at High Street Park?