Marion Square Park — Attraction in Salem

Marion Square Park has been a mecca for the homeless. I have nothing against homeless people as individuals there are just many that are just not the best of the best you know! I would not in a million years bring my children or grandchildren here. Directly across the street to the north is a facility that provides assistance to the homeless this in itself is fantastic however recently they have allowed a tent city to build up around this particular building, in Clear Sight of the park. Until a few weeks ago a tent city was actually existing in Marion Square Park however the police clear the park out at least twice a year. Again please don't judge my attitude toward the homeless I've been there! Many are good, but many are not. In addition Marion Square Park is within a block of the Men's Mission therefore exacerbating the homeless issue. Now that the tent city is gone you can actually see the basketball court in the park and there is a skate bowl there too. Unfortunately I've seen the decline in the skate Bowl where once there were a lot of happy youngsters and teenagers now it's the ones that are destined to be gangsters and end up in prison. Again my message is not intended to offend anyone ( although I'm sure it will ) just to warn those in advance reading this review that they probably don't want to waste their time by visiting Marion Square Park. At least at the present time. PS, as I use speak to text for this review my husband who is sitting beside me at the moment has suggested I may want to add if you are going to visit the park leave your valuables at home, park your car as far away as possible keep and your hand on your phone...

While it is used also by the house less since it’s right by ARCHES community outreach, I have never felt unsafe or like I couldn’t take my kids to use the skate park that’s located there. There’s as many housed individuals using it or passing through as there is houseless and it’s seems that the homeless community, just like everyone else in this community; needs a safe space to gather with friends, pets or to just finally be able to relax and nap. I’ve been there many times and they have always been courteous and respectful if I pass by them or when I speak to them. In my experience they are actually nicer and more courteous than many of the other more fortunate ppl I’ve had interactions with. Just like every group there are a few bad seeds I’m sure, but that also goes for the fortunate portion of society that have homes or a loving support system to help them. Houseless-ness does not mean dangerous nor does it mean they deserve to be treated like a wild animal. Here’s a fact…you are more likely to be a victim of a violent crime and or killed if you are homeless and or have a mental health disorder then you are to be a victim of a violent crime committed by a person with a mental disorder or homeless community member. please don’t be afraid of what you don’t know or understand, we all use to be Homeless once and living like them….remember that. Also I’ve never seen any drug use or needles...

There are 92 parks in Salem Oregon, how about you all better then us people, give that to them. And go to your political people and have the request for another skate park to be built in 1, 2, 3, other parks also. Family time. YES. 92 parks in Salem give them one. There is actually really fine decent people mixed in there. Try talking with some of them instead of instant judgement. We're not the GARBAGE that the select ones continue to do. Where else can they actually go within reason and still able to have food,...