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 High Street Park Renovation Project aims 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 PARC Grant Program has awarded the City $425,000 for continued design and construction work! You can find more details about the award using the following link: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-over-13-million-to-create-improve-local-parks-and-protect-natural-land-across-massachusetts.

Community Open House and Presentation

The City held an open house at High Street Park and a presentation at the Christopher Columbus Society on April 29, 2026. Following this event, additional meetings, and one-on-one conversations, design firm Hatch Associates presented a concept design to the Park and Recreation Commission on June 16, 2026. Please access the presentations for both events using the links below:

     ●   Community Open House Presentation - April 29

     ●   Park and Recreation Commission Concept Design - June 16

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 is the project being 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, and a $100,000 award from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will assist the City in bridging final design and construction costs. The City has also applied to the Commonwealth's Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program, and received $425,000 in funding to reimburse eligible design and construction expenses. The PARC program will provide almost two dollars for every dollar the City allocates towards the project's construction.

How can I get involved?

The City will continue holding meetings to gather additional thoughts, ideas, and perspectives from community members as the project approaches construction. We will provide regular updates on the High Street Park Renovation webpage. For additional details or questions about the project, please contact Brennan Postich, Planner, at bpostich@salem.com, or call the Department of Planning and Community Development at 978-619-5685.