Council authorizes planning for Wallace Marine Park enhancements, including possible accessible path

The Salem City Council authorized creation of a midyear parks improvement project Nov. 10 to begin planning and design work for the Wallace Marine Park area, including evaluation of a possible paved, accessible path through the park’s natural area.

Parks planning manager Rob Romanak and acting community services director Gretchen Bennett described the project as a two‑stage process: an initial $200,000 authorization to begin baseline surveys, conceptual design and environmental documentation (the staff report specifies an initial authorization step) and a potential full project budget request later in the CIP process. Depending on alignment, materials and permitting, staff estimated final construction costs could approach the high hundreds of thousands (the staff discussion referenced an approximate figure of $729,000 as a planning placeholder and also noted other estimates suggested up to roughly $800,000 for certain full‑build scenarios). Romanak emphasized multiple off‑ramps: if environmental permitting or community engagement indicates paving is inappropriate, staff will not proceed to construction.

Councilors asked about alternatives (unpaved surfaces, boardwalks, floodway permitting, tree impacts and accessibility tradeoffs). Staff said most of the park is inside the FEMA floodway and will require floodplain permits and habitat mitigation; the planning work will examine materials (asphalt vs. concrete vs. alternative surfaces), alignments that minimize tree removal and potential grant matches. Council approved the midyear project authorization by roll call; Councilor Brown voted No, other present councilors voted Yes.

Staff said the planning and permitting period will include SPRAB and public engagement and that any later construction request will return to council for appropriation and approval.