TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Interim City Manager
FROM: Gretchen Bennett, Acting in Capacity Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
title
Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Climate Action Recommendations
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
The Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board submitted a letter dated July 23, 2025, with recommendations to support the City’s Climate Action Plan and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key recommendations include use of low-carbon materials in capital projects, transitioning to battery-electric tools, and enhancing climate-friendly transportation access to parks. The recommendations were discussed at the August 18, 2025, Climate Action Plan Committee meeting and are now being transmitted to City Council through this report.
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ISSUE:
Informational report to update the City Council on the recommendations of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
In 2024, Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (SPRAB) convened research committees to examine opportunities to advance the City’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on electric equipment use, climate-friendly transportation, and low-carbon materials in capital projects, all within the context of the Salem park system. The committees conducted their research throughout much of 2024 and, in early 2025, each committee presented findings to the full board and SPRAB ultimately developed specific recommendations that encourage the procurement of battery-electric equipment, use of low-carbon construction materials in capital projects, and improvements to alternative transportation access to parks. These recommendations were reviewed by the Climate Action Plan Committee at its meeting on August 18, 2025.
The attached letter from SPRAB is now being publicly transmitted to City Council to inform ongoing discussions about integrating climate-conscious policies and practices into City operations and park planning.
BACKGROUND:
SPRAB is a nine-member, City Council-appointed volunteer board that provides guidance on the City’s park and recreation lands, facilities, and programs. The Climate Action Plan, completed in 2022, establishes strategies for reducing citywide emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Councilor Varney is the City Council Liaison to SPRAB.
Rob Romanek
Parks Planning Manager
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1, SPRAB Climate Action Recommendations Letter