Salem, IN Park and Recreation System Master Plan
Welcome, Salem residents!
Salem, Indiana offers residents many unique recreation opportunities. To ensure that recreation opportunities are readily available and attractive to residents, Salem Parks & Recreation and its future will be guided by a new Park and Recreation System Master Plan.
The quality of the new Master Plan depends on community engagement and input from many different people. To ensure that residents drive the plan development, the Master Plan process will include a variety of ways community members can become involved in and inform decision-making. The Master Plan process began in September 2023 and will conclude in April 2024.
Your input is vital to the success of the Master Plan! This website can be used to learn about upcoming community engagement opportunities, find ways to comment on the overall process, and stay current on the Master Plan process.
About the Master Plan
Purpose of the Master Plan
The complexity of park planning requires a thoughtful, rational, and participative process. Salem Parks & Recreation System Master Plan will be a long-range plan that provides for future community needs while maintaining wise use of public funds and fulfilling legal mandates. The success of the Master Plan depends on the efforts of many individuals working together to meet the needs of the entire community. The Salem Parks & Recreation System Master Plan’s overriding purpose is to identify the needs of the community and address them with actions that create inclusive, cost-effective, and publicly supported park and recreation areas. By using a balanced approach, Salem will continue to develop and maintain its strong parks, open spaces, and recreation areas.
Why should we have a Master Plan?
1. It is a guide for the development of a park and recreation system within a community.
2. It is a tool for rational decision-making.
3. It allows for inclusive public engagement in the future of community parks and recreation.
4. It is the first step toward accurate capital finance planning.
5. It facilitates coordination and cooperation within the park department and with other entities.
6. It is essential for the public health, welfare, and safety of the community.
7. It can be required to receive certain types of public or private funding for parks development.
Salem's vision for this Master Plan will positively contribute to the community's quality of life. It will enhance:
Community Building: Parks are one of the most effective ways to build a sense of community and improve quality of life. Parks channel positive community participation by facilitating group interaction to achieve a shared vision.
Economic Development: Parks improve real property values, draw tourists, attract workers to live and work in the community, and persuade retirees to stay in the area. Investing in parks revitalizes neighborhoods and town centers and attracts private investors and businesses. Parks and trails are not only enjoyed by residents but also encourage visitors to extend their stay and contribute to the local tourism markets.
Environmental Stewardship: Natural resource areas are vital to the preservation and conservation of valuable resources. A sustainable approach to resource management allows continued recreation opportunities for residents while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
News & Updates
Master Planning Process kicks off
The Salem Parks & Recreation Department is working with the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands and the Center for Rural Engagement at Indiana University to develop a new System Master Plan. The Plan will set priorities and provide guidance for the city’s parks and recreation system for the next 5 years. The process kicked off in September with organizational meetings and will continue with a robust public engagement period to collect feedback from city residents about their needs and desires for parks and recreation. Public input will be received through a survey, focus group interviews, and an open comment period.
COVID-19 Status Update
We are monitoring the evolving situation with the COVID-19 virus and complying with CDC and governmental guidance pertaining to this pandemic. As such, the project timeline may be adjusted in order to ensure robust community participation in the planning process while prioritizing the health and safety of the community.
Project Timeline
Draft Plan
Contact Us
The public comment period has ended.
Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands
Attn: Salem, IN Master Plan
2805 E. 10th St, Suite 170
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: (812) 855-3095
Email: eplyhelp@iu.edu