City of Keizer Parks

Park Name: Ben Miller Family Park

Address: 1581 Alder Dr NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 2.4

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: This small neighborhood park, bordered by Alder Drive NE and Beebe Street NE, is a green space divided by Claggett Creek. The developed western side, shaded by mature evergreens, includes a small playground for ages 2-5, picnic tables, open lawns, and creek access. The larger, sloped eastern side is an undeveloped wetland restoration site next to Weddle Elementary and Claggett Creek Middle School. A joint project between the Claggett Creek Watershed Council and the City restored native vegetation along the creek and removed invasive species.

History: Originally named Pleasant View Park, this site was purchased from Elsie R. Mathews in 1995 and renamed to honor long-time Keizer volunteer Ben Miller and his family. Ben and Donna Miller moved to Keizer in the early 1950s, raising their children—Randy, Robert, and Wendy—there. Ben’s contributions of equipment and labor were crucial to the park’s development, and his sons remain active in Keizer’s volunteer projects.

Park Name: Bob Newton Family Park

Address: 1300 Mandarin Way NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 5.9

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: This expansive neighborhood park in the Gubser area offers a variety of recreation options, including picnic tables, a small shelter, grills, a playground, practice fields, and multi-use sports courts popular with pickleball players. The park features mature shade trees, a gently sloping lawn, and a small bridge over a seasonal drainage ditch. It’s surrounded by single-family homes and accessible via an adjacent alley and two dead-end streets.

History: Bob Newton Family Park, previously known as Wilark or Willark Park, was donated by Kenneth and Anna Nielson, who named it after the place where they met—likely the now-vanished lumber town of Wilark in Columbia County. In 2007, the park was renamed to honor former Keizer Mayor and City Councilor Colonel James Robert "Bob" Newton (ret.), who served in the Oregon National Guard from 1957 to 1994, on the City Council (1983-1997), as Mayor (1999-2001), and on various civic and military boards. He was recognized as Keizer’s First Citizen in 1996.

Park Name: Chalmer Jones/Carlson Skate Park

Address: 4925 Rickman Rd NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 3.6

Classification: Special Use

Description: Located next to City Hall, this park is bordered by City Hall’s parking lot to the north, the Police Station to the west, a residential fence to the south, and Rickman Road NE to the east. Accessible mainly through City Hall’s parking areas, the park features a gazebo, splash pad, skate park, walking trail, open space, and event parking. The popular splash pad, running on a chlorinated recycled water system, requires ongoing maintenance and contributes significantly to the park's appeal.

History: In 1986, Keizer purchased a former school and its surrounding land for City Hall. Over time, the park evolved, and in 2009, a new City Hall replaced the old school building. Originally named City Hall Park, it was renamed Chalmers Jones Park in 1996 to honor a long-time resident known for his contributions to breaking racial barriers and serving in state government. Born in Louisiana, Chalmers Jones worked various jobs on the West Coast before becoming Oregon's first African-American on the Governor’s executive staff and later served as Chair of the Oregon State Parole Board. He passed away on August 15, 1995.

In 1995, Charlane Carlson led efforts to create Keizer’s first skatepark, aiming to provide a safe space for youth to skateboard and rollerblade. Her initiative inspired the formation of the Keizer Skate Park Committee. After years of planning and fundraising, youth committee members presented their proposal to the City Council, gaining support and financial backing. Groundbreaking occurred in April 1998, and the park was dedicated in July 1999, with a commemorative plaque recognizing contributors.

Park Name: Claggett Creek Park and Wetland

Address: 1400 Chemawa Rd NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 16.4

Classification: Community Park and Wetland Restoration site

Description: Located near City Hall and Chalmers Jones/Carlson Skate Park in central Keizer, this popular community park is bordered by Chemawa Road, Dearborn Avenue, single-family homes to the west, and Claggett Creek to the east, with city-owned wetlands beyond the creek. Accessible from parking areas at both ends, the park offers open spaces with a balanced mix of active and passive areas, ideal for picnicking, play, and exercise. Key features include a soccer field with bleachers in the north, baseball fields and basketball courts at the center, and a covered shelter, picnic tables, play equipment, and accessible water fountain in the south.

History: Claggett Creek Park was purchased from the Hardman family in 1963 and conveyed to the City of Keizer as Claggett Creek Park in 1983. The park is named for the grandfather of former U.S Senator Charles L. McNary, Charles Claggett, who settled in Keizer in 1852 on 320 acres of land. Mr. Claggett burned and sold charcoal and raised stock and grain. For many years he lived in a 16 x 16- foot cabin without a floor, stove or fireplace. Considered one of the honored pioneer settlers, Mr. Claggett died in 1902.

Park Name: Clear Lake Park

Address: 7395 Meadow Glen St, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 4

Classification: Natural Area

Description: This natural open space is bordered by residential development on the south and west; it shares an open boundary with Clear Lake Elementary School to the north. The park’s thick, shaded grove of mature Douglas fir trees is surrounded by open lawn on three sides. Primarily an undeveloped passive open space area with minimal features, this park functions as a quiet green space for nearby neighborhood residents. Clear Lake Elementary, however, provides a variety of covered and uncovered outdoor recreation amenities and play features that are available for use during nonschool hours.

History: In 1992, the Salem-Keizer School District was granted a zone change and conditional use to build Clear Lake Elementary School, in exchange for dedicating a 5-acre site as park land. The site was purchased by the City of Keizer in 1995. The School District and City established a joint use and maintenance agreement for the site that same year.

Park Name: Country Glen Park

Address: 1400 Parkside Ct NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 5.5

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: Located in the Clear Lake Neighborhood of north Keizer, the park’s eastern portion manages stormwater overflow from Labish Creek, while the western side focuses on recreation. A pedestrian bridge at the southwestern boundary connects the park to the Gubser Neighborhood, providing access through a City-owned easement maintained by the Public Works Streets Division. Despite its large open green space, the park's amenities are limited due to seasonal flooding from the creek, resulting in a quieter neighborhood park. Available facilities include a general-use field, play equipment, a picnic shelter, and a drinking fountain. The park also connects to the Hidden Creek Trail via a paved pedestrian path.

History: After several years of negotiations, Country Glen Park was acquired from Epping Construction in 1997, partially in response to the site flooding that occurred in 1996 and 1997. In Autumn 2000, City staff developed a Master Plan and soon began to construct a site with play equipment and picnic tables to serve nearby neighbors, and with open greenspace to buffer creek flooding.

Park Name: Hidden Creek Park

Address: 1400 Parkside Ct NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 3.7

Classification: Natural Area

Description: The park is surrounded by single family residential housing. Labish Creek defines the eastern portion of the property and Whisper Creek Loop NE defines the park’s western boundary. There is a 30-foot natural buffer along the east side of the property adjacent to Labish Creek that is required to remain as a natural area as part of the subdivision agreement. The park is connected to Country Glen Park to the north via a pedestrian path. The site is located just south of the pedestrian bridge that allows access to Gubser Elementary and the eastern side of the creek.

History: Hidden Creek Park was acquired, and master planned in 2000 to complete the Country Glen Hidden Creek connection and trails.

Park Name: Keizer Little League Park

Address: 5245 Ridge Dr NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 17.6

Classification: Specialty Use

Description: Keizer Little League Park is a City-owned sports complex with multiple fields, bordered by single-family homes to the west, Keizer Church of Christ, Bonaventure Retirement Community, and Keizer Station apartments to the north, and Ridge Drive to the east. Although the Salem Parkway Bike Path runs along the southeastern edge, it’s not accessible from the park. Developed by the Keizer Little League Association, which previously maintained the property under a City agreement, the park has seen City improvements to parking and stormwater drainage.

History: In May 1985, Keizer purchased 21.4 acres on Ridge Drive for $103,660 and partnered with Keizer Little League to develop and maintain the sports complex. Little League volunteers have continuously improved the park, but growing demand for quality softball and baseball fields now necessitates significant upgrades. In 2021, the City issued an RFP to explore options for enhancing site infrastructure, including the possibility of a new operating partner. As of this plan’s preparation, the City is finalizing terms for a renewed partnership agreement for site management.

Park Name: Keizer Rapids Park

Address: 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 148

Classification: Regional

Description: This large regional park, partly within the City, includes closed forests, natural areas, and open spaces along the Willamette River to the south, with residential areas to the north and east. The park offers varied activities, including the popular accessible Big Toy playground, fenced dog parks, sand volleyball courts, a covered group picnic shelter, boat ramp, disc golf course, BMX bowl, pickleball courts, and an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by woods. Managed by the City of Keizer on both City and State-owned land, the forested area near the boat ramp is under a conservation easement.

History: Keizer Rapids Park, named after the Keizur family who originally homesteaded the area, predates the City of Keizer by over a century and is recognized on historical maps as “Keizur’s Rapids.” It is the City’s largest and newest park, incorporating 84 acres of State-owned land (formerly known as Beardsley Bar) along with parcels previously owned by Ella Buchholz, Stephen and Rhonda Buchanan, and Winifred Charge. The park’s development was supported by the ODFW Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. In 2003, the RIVERR Task Force—comprising Marion County, City of Salem, Oregon State Park & Recreation Department, National Park Service, Marine Board, and the Trust for Public Land—helped acquire and develop the site. Numerous amenities, including the dog park, amphitheater, and Big Toy playground, were made possible by donations from local businesses, non-profits, and community members.

Park Name: Meadows Park

Address: 7717 River Rd NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 3

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: This neighborhood park features a recently updated playground with accessible surfacing, a variety of mature shade trees and open lawn spaces. The park is fully surrounded by fencing with chain link running the length of the parks eastern border along River Road. Access to the park is limited to street parking with two pedestrian access points from River Road or through the subdivision on Park Terrace Drive NE. Functionally this park serves the recreation needs of the northern section of Keizer where Bair Park and Clear Lake Park are limited in recreation opportunities

History: In May 1990, 3.25 acres was donated to City of Keizer by Reimann and Associates for a park and pump station as required by a land use decision.

Park Name: Mike Whittam Park

Address: 5245 Ridge Dr NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 3.9

Classification: Special Use

Description: This undeveloped park, bordering Keizer Little League Park to the north and accessible from Ridge Drive NE, sits at the junction of the Salem Parkway Bike Path and Keizer Rd NE bike lanes, creating a direct connection to Claggett Creek Park and Chalmers Jones-Carlson Skate Park. The park includes a community garden in the southern section, while the rest of the area features a mature oak grove and open lawn.

History: Charles "Mike" Whittam was born on May 11, 1939, in California, graduated from San Clemente High School, and later attended college in Arizona, where he met and married Kathleen Lollar in 1964. The couple moved to Oregon. After being diagnosed with cancer, he passed away on October 27, 1987. In recognition of his community service, including his role as Chair of the Keizer Parks Advisory Board, Parcel “B” of Keizer Little League Park was renamed “Mike Whittam Park” on January 15, 1990.

Park Name: Northview Terrace Park

Address: 4600 18th Ave NE, Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 2.1

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: Located north of Weissner Drive between Verda Lane and 18th Avenue, pedestrian access is available along the southern boundary and the northeast corner. The northeast entry is shared by a community swimming pool, which defines its northern boundary. The rest of the park is surrounded by single family housing and its west and east boundaries are defined by the back ends of the housing property lines. The southern boundary is Weissner Drive. The park provides play equipment, a basketball court, picnic tables and open areas.

History: In October 1958, 1.22 acres were transferred to Marion County from Jim and Anita Weissner as required by subdivision ordinance. Another 0.68 acres are transferred between the same parties in September 1959, and 0.175 acres were transferred in October 1960. In June 1983, a Bargain and Sale Deed conveyed the park from Marion County to the City of Keizer

Park Name: Palma Ciea Park

Address: 900 Cummings Ln N Keizer, OR 97303

Acreage: 1.8

Classification: Natural Area

Description: This recently developed park is located along the Willamette River in the West Keizer Neighborhood. The park is surrounded by single family residences, and access to the park is limited to its eastern boundary from Cummings Lane North. The site has a large electric power pole near the eastern entrance and a flood control dike referred to as the concrete river wall along its full riverside length. Portions of the site are currently used by the neighboring residents for gardening plots.

History: In May 1958, 0.80 acres were transferred by Edwin J. Becke as required by the subdivision ordinance. At that time, the area was within the Willamette River Greenway overseen by the Oregon State Parks Department. The land was transferred to the City at a later date for continued use in flood control.

Park Name: PFC Ryan J. Hill Memorial Park

Address: 6100 Keizer Station Blvd

Acreage: 1.3

Classification: Special Use

Description: This unique park is composed of a combination of flexible plaza space with seating and interpretive signage as well as a wooden bridge spanning a large, vegetated drainage area. Located within the Keizer Station shopping center and adjacent to I-5, the park provides a connection between Keizer’s existing bicycle network and the regional Salem Parkway Bike Path. It offers respite and important green space within the busy Keizer Station.

History: Dedicated on November 8, 2013, PFC Ryan J. Hill Memorial Park is named for Keizer native PFC Ryan Hill, who died in action in Iraq on Jan. 20, 2007. He had joined the Army in 2005 and was deployed in 2006. PFC Hill was only 20 years old when he was killed by an improvised explosive device detonating near his vehicle while in Baghdad. The Oregon Veterans Affairs Office verified that as of November 8, 2013, PFC Ryan J. Hill was the only Keizer resident killed in action since the City was incorporated in 1982.

Park Name: Sunset Park

Address:

Acreage: 1.5

Classification: Special Use

Description: The riverfront park is surrounded by single family residential housing on three sides. Access is limited to pedestrians and cyclist through a gate along its eastern boundary at the junction of Rivercrest Drive North and Sunset Avenue North. The park provides seasonal picnic tables, benches, and a rock beach for river access. Bank fishing access continues even in winter months when the river is high enough to cover the rocky beach.

History: Sunset Park was platted in 1938 for the exclusive use of owners of Rivercrest Acres. It is the oldest park in Keizer, consisting of 1.58 acres donated by John and Anna Kaeser in 1957 as required by subdivision ordinance. At this time, it became known as Sunset Park. It is within the Willamette River Greenway overseen by Oregon State Parks Department.

Park Name: Wallace House Park

Address:

Acreage: 11.7

Classification: Neighborhood

Description: The riverfront park provides essential recreation features (playground, looped path, picnic tables, outdoor fitness equipment) for nearby neighbors and seasonal river access for the community. The lower portion of the park is under the tree canopy. The upper developed portion has an open turf clearing for play, but it could be enhanced to support active recreation. The site also includes a bike rack, informational kiosk, and portable toilet.

History: Wallace House Park, formerly known as River’s Edge Park, was acquired by the City of Salem in 1968 from the Weeks, Cline, and Gottenberg families. The site once served as a nursery and is believed to be the location of the Wallace House, or Fort Wallace, built in 1812 as a trading post for John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company. This structure was the first semi-permanent Euro-American settlement in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. An 1832 map by explorer Nathaniel Wyeth marks the ‘old Wallis house’ on the east bank of the Willamette River in present-day southwest Keizer.

• Using GIS via tablets staff can track work done on current assets and input new assets. Such as tracking the location of irrigation.
• GIS assists in tracking asset condition such as how often a picnic table in a select park is repaired, replaced, or is removed
• The Tree Plotter Initiative aims to GPS Trees all throughout Keizer!