Norwitz Notions

Williamette River at the south end of Riverfront Park

This huge and beautiful park is worth the couple mile detour for anyone travelling along I-5 in Oregon.  Our first stop was the picnic area.  They have a large covered section of tables, which was taken when we were there so we ate at a table in the sun (during a heat wave unfortunately).

Covered picnic area at Riverfront Park

The building in the background houses a gift shop and an old-time carousel.  With fairly safe bathrooms and air conditioning.  $1.50 per ride for both adults and children.  Children must be 42″ to go alone.  They would not allow me to ride on the same horse as Miriam or to ride on a horse next to her.  I had to stand.  But Miriam chose the sleigh instead.

Miriam & Cyndi on the Riverfront Park Carousel

Next we walked down to the far south end of the park to see the handmade tiled Eco Globe.

Eco Earth Globe Eastern Hemisphere

Eco Earth Globe Western Hemisphere

This 23 acre park has plenty of room to spread out.

Grassy expanse at Riverfront Park

We walked back past the playground but, despite asking for it, Miriam was too hot to play.

A very hot and tired Miriam & Michael heading away from the Riverfront Park playground

The Williamette River runs along the entire west side of the park.

Miriam reading the river map

Williamette River at the north end of Riverfront Park

After our long walk, we were ready to get indoors.  Our next stop: the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village down the block.

Disability access: Nice flat sidewalks making a loop around the park.  Plenty of places to sit down and rest.  The bathrooms inside the carousel building were decent (no strong scents) and the building itself seemed okay.  I didn’t test the bathrooms by the playground.  I don’t know what their pest and weed control is there but I didn’t notice any chemicals.

Riverfront Park
116 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR
http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/parks/river_front.htm