Parks and Recreation budget approved; department outlines pool sustainability, playground replacements and Salem Common safety study

The Administration and Finance Committee recommended approval Monday of the Parks and Recreation general administration FY26 budget and heard a summary of capital priorities including playground replacements, pool programming and an initial safety study for Salem Common ahead of the city's 2026 centennial-related events.

Trish OBrien, director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, told the committee her department made minimal new requests and focused FY26 asks on maintenance and targeted capital projects. "We really don't ask for anything unless we really need it," O'Brien said, adding that some line items shifted because the Council on Aging is being budgeted as an independent department and building-wide costs were reallocated.

On pools, councilors praised Forest River Poolfor sustainable systems; Councilor Cohen noted the pool's diverse user base and asked about tracking use. O'Brien and staff said pool sustainability (heat pumps and solar) remains a key feature and that the department will provide more detailed performance measures including number of pool passes distributed at reduced or no cost and swim-lesson counts.

Capital priorities discussed included a multi-year playground replacement plan and a $50,000 Salem Common Safety Enhancements Study. O'Brien said the playground plan aims to replace aging equipment and increase ADA accessibility, with Collins Cove and High Street playgrounds called out as near-term projects. On the Common study, O'Brien said the funding will support specialists to advise on safety measures that are compatible with the Common's historic character; she emphasized the study is a planning step, not an immediate construction program.

The committee also heard about a small "Save a Tree" contracted-service line used to treat high-value park trees threatened by Emerald Ash Borer; O'Brien said treatment choices have been targeted to preserve shade in dense neighborhoods and that the city maintains a comprehensive tree inventory in coordination with the tree warden.

Councilors asked for more data on pool use, swim lessons, pool-pass assistance and event rentals at the pool and for clear updates on planned playground projects and park upgrades. The committee voted to recommend the Parks and Recreation general administration budget (personnel $671,384; expenditures $589,410; department total $1,260,794). Councilor Stott moved the measure; Councilor Harvey seconded; Chair Merkle recorded "4 hands plus my own" and declared the matter carries.

O'Brien said the department will continue distribution of programs with affordability in mind and will provide the committee with requested performance measures and project design timetables.