Salem puts Minto-Brown plans in play Council considers role if state buys 310 acres for park March 17, 2008 Salem City Council will consider the city's role in developing a state-owned park on Minto-Brown Island. At its meeting tonight, councilors will review a proposed "Memorandum of Understanding" with the state. The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation hopes to buy 310 acres of Minto-Brown Island property from Boise Cascade and lease the land to Salem for a park. Salem officials want to build a footbridge to Minto-Brown Island. The bridge would become a link in a network of park trails connecting the city's riverfront parks. Although the state still needs to negotiate a purchase agreement with Boise, Salem officials want to be ready if a deal is struck. The proposed agreement specifies that the island property would be dedicated for trails and natural areas, with a few amenities for park visitors, such as benches and restrooms. Salem would seek grants to pay for the park improvements, according to the agreement. Earlier this month, the transformation of Union Street railroad bridge into a bike and pedestrian pathway started. That project will connect Riverfront and Wallace Marine parks. The proposed footbridge to Minto-Brown Island and the renovated Union Street railroad bridge combined could provide access to 16 miles of trails, city officials said. mrose@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6657 |