SALEM – The Signature Parks Initiative is a key component of our community’s quadricentennial planning, for when Salem turns 400 years old in 2026. This initiative is focused on planning and carrying out improvements and preservation work in six of Salem’s busiest and most beloved public parks and open spaces, ensuring they will remain available and enjoyable for future generations to come. These signature spaces serve the neighborhoods in which they are located, but also the entire Salem community and beyond, providing recreational, cultural, and aesthetic value to the City. The Salem Common is one of those parks.
The Salem Common is located in the heart of the city and is a more than 9-acre open space park in the Salem Common Historic District. It’s Salem’s oldest park, established in 1803 and is host to many community events throughout the year and is used for daily recreation. Salem Common was the site of the First Muster (1637) of the East Regiment, which signaled the start of the National Guard. The Common itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected with a preservation restriction.
The bandstand at the Salem Common was constructed in 1926 in commemoration of the city’s Tercentennial. Philip Horton Smith designed this finely proportioned octagonal bandstand in Colonial Revival style, domed and temple-like. Its roof is capped by a pineapple, and the arches are flanked by an engaged pair of Roman Doric columns. In 1976, the bandstand was dedicated to the longtime Salem Band director, Jean Missud of Salem Cadet Band Fame.
This much-loved structure is used today for neighborhood movie nights, concerts, Haunted Happenings, weddings and other annual events.
Work began on this multi-phase preservation project in 2018 with Phase 1 completed in 2020 which included:
- Replacement of concrete apron, slabs and stone dust path
- Replacement of bulkhead over basement stairs
- Replacement of steel railings.
Phase 2 work will include:
- Comprehensive envelope and structural repairs
- Updated electrical wiring and lighting
- Accessibility compliance
After holding meetings with community stakeholders and city officials over the last year, the design team led by Structures North Consulting Engineers along with the Spencer Preservation Group is securing approval from the local Historical Commission and Massachusetts Historical Commission for the work as well as consulting with the local Commission on Disabilities and Parks and Recreation Commission.
The City is anticipating that construction on the Phase 2 improvements will begin early next year and be completed in 2026. For questions about this project please contact Michael Crounse, Facilities Director, at 978-619-5648 or mcrounse@salem.com.
