Salem City Council discussed moving ahead on a Community Park development during its regular monthly meeting last week.
The ambitious plan calls for a three-phase construction project that will cost about $1.8 million. The project has been on the table for quite some time, and council members hope to kickstart development through an application for a Land and Water Conservation grant.
Salem has applied for state and federal grants in the past, but has been denied in recent attempts.
Phase one of the park would be the most expensive, since it will include a community center, commercial building and a parking lot.
Basketball courts and a picnic pavilion are part of phase two. A walking trail that will encircle the park is the major part of phase three. Also in phase three, are plans for tennis courts, a soccer field and additional picnic areas.
Salem Mayor Rell Peck hopes to begin soon excavating the site for phases one and two.
The community park will be located just west of downtown, off U.S. 60 between Salem and the Tambco Convenience Center.
