For years, the playground equipment at Scotts Mills County Park could be described with a single word: underwhelming.
The park along Butte Creek northeast of Salem had just a single slide and two swings, both of which were very old.
"It was sorely lacking much of anything," said Russ Dilley, Marion County Parks coordinator.
That all changed April 10 when the Marion County Parks Department installed a new state-of-the-art set of playground equipment.
The new playground features swing-sets, monkey bars, twisting slides and even a rock-climbing wall. The cost was $45,000 and provided by general fund dollars approved by the Marion County Board of Commissioners. It provides a new touch to a park already home to a scenic waterfall and swimming hole.
Residents will get their first look at the new playground on Friday, May 1, when roughly half of the county parks open for the season.
The May 1 date also marks the second season of operation for the county's only campground, Bear Creek, in the Little North Santiam River Canyon. Opened last spring, Bear Creek features 15 sites tucked into the forest above the river.
"It took a little while to catch on, but it ended up being a great first season," Dilley said. "The campground was full every weekend from the Fourth of July up to Labor Day.
Dilley said the county is adding a few picnic tables to improve day-use at the park — mainly so people wouldn't occupy campsites when they weren't staying overnight.
Scotts Mills and Bear Creek are far from the only parks opening, though. Six other parks, many of them popular, also are opening. Here's a breakdown of each park.
BEAR CREEK CAMPGROUND
After years of planning, raising money and building, Bear Creek Campground finally became a reality a year ago.
A 30-minute drive from Salem, the 15-site campground is near popular recreation spots in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area such as Three Pools, Henline Falls and Salmon Falls.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, one is set up for large RVs, three are walk-in or bike-in sites and three are handicap accessible. Most of the sites have large enough parking pads for a camper.
Cost is $14 per night — each extra vehicle is $5 — and amenities include a restroom, potable water and a trail system down to a river that's great for swimming, fishing and hiking.
The cost of creating the campground ran about $106,000, with $50,000 coming from grants provided by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the other $56,000 coming from the department's funds.
Directions: About a 30-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 24 miles. Turn left onto Little North Fork Road to park on left.
SPONGS LANDING
Highlighted by a picnic area on the Willamette River, a trail through riparian forest and a large open space for whatever the imagination concocts, Spongs Landing is an underrated park north of Keizer.
The most popular spot is the Coho Picnic Area, which sits along the banks of the river and features a beach popular with anglers. Playground equipment, two covered picnic shelters and horseshoe pits round out the 61-acre destination.
Directions: About a 20-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, take Liberty Road to North River Road. Turn left on Chemawa Road for 0.7 miles and turn right on Windsor Island Road for 1.3 miles. Turn left on Naples Street and follow the pointer onto 22nd Avenue to park.
AUMSVILLE PONDS
The 77-acre park, composed of wetlands and upland buffer within the Mill Creek Watershed, is highlighted by a 0.75-mile trail and fishing opportunities.
The trial was completed in 2007 after the Northwest Youth Core helped install bridges across the surrounding creeks. Red-legged frogs call the area home, along with numerous birds and wildlife. Dogs are not allowed.
Directions: About a 22-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, following Highway 22 east to exit 9 toward Aumsville. Follow First Street south, turn left onto Mill Creek Road and turn right onto Bishop Road SE. The park is on the right.
NORTH FORK
A short trail leads to a sandy beach and the turquoise waters of the Little North Santiam River in one of the area's most popular swimming holes.
On hot weekend afternoons, the park often is crowded with people swimming in the deep pool surrounded by cliffs. Fishing, hiking and exploring the river are other options at North Fork Park.
Directions: About a 30-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 24 miles. Turn left onto Little North Fork Road for 3 miles, and follow signs for the park.
SALMON FALLS
A 30-foot waterfall drops into a clear emerald pool at one of the most scenic parks in Marion County.
The park is 22 acres and home to picnic tables, fishing opportunities and hiking trails. Swimming and cliff diving are the most popular activities on hot summer days.
Directions: About a 45-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 24 miles. Turn left onto Little North Fork Road for 14 miles to the park on the right.
MINTO
This often-overlooked park of 73 acres features a longer-than-expected collection of trails that lead to hidden spots along the North Santiam River.
A gravel access road leads to a nice picnic spot and view of the river, but stop at one of the multiple trailheads to wonder through dense riparian forest in search of river access where spawning salmon can be found in autumn.
The park is most popular with anglers.
Directions: About a 40-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 35 miles. Turn right at a sign for Minto Park onto a gravel access road.
NIAGARA
Dense forest and the canyon scenery of the North Santiam River highlights this beautiful 29-acre park just off Highway 22.
Short trails, interpretative signs and views of the river make this a popular place for road-weary travelers to stop.
Picnic tables, trails, a restroom and drinking fountain are found at the park.
Directions: About a 40-minute drive from Salem. From Salem, follow Highway 22 east for 38 miles. Turn right at a sign for Niagara Park.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for seven years. He is the author of the book "Hiking Southern Oregon" and can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Facebook at Zach's Oregon Outdoors or @ZachsORoutdoors on Twitter.
Marion County Parks
Open year-round
Auburn, Bonesteele, Denny, Eola Bend, Joryville, Labish Village, Packsaddle, Parkdale and Rogers Wayside.
Open May 1-Oct. 31
Aumsville Ponds, Bear Creek, North Fork, Niagara, Salmon Falls, Minto, Spongs Landing and Scotts Mills
Open March 1-Oct. 31
St. Louis Ponds
