Orchard Heights Park — Attraction in Salem

I don’t live in Salem, but have either driven through or visited family there often enough to want a place to run my dogs - Orchard Park has this great off-leash area where they can get a lot of their energy out and it’s a nice (pretty short) trail walk to get to that area, with a stream running along the side of the path. When I took my pups there yesterday, they seemed to know where they were as they were (quite embarrassingly) whining loudly with their heads out the car window as they were SO excited to be there again. The accompanying photo wasn’t from this trip, as I didn’t take photos yesterday, but it’s from a previous time we visited...

This is a great park for dogs and people alike. However, there is wood chips waiting since two years to be put in the fenced dog run which is only 12 feet from the kids play area! Now, with absolutely NO maintenance, the gates are now broken off at the latches (a straight dart for a dog runninh out to the kids play area, possibly). While i was there today, a young mom and baby who were very uncomfortable around dogs was there...and i couldn't lock the gates!! I keep waiting for the City to give some attention. Whats it gonna take? A dog chasing out the fence when they see a child swinging/climbing and...

Great park, especially for dogs! There's a large area above the playground and fields that is an off-leash field for friendly dogs that is just gorgeous! It's perfect for a long walk and has gorgeous trees and lots of different paths. The tennis courts are well-maintained, as well as the park itself. Super friendly environment and good even for just a short walk or a breath of fresh air. The creek that runs through it gives it a little more life as well, and there's a few picnic tables in the shade by the small bridge. Plus, they...