Minto-Brown Island Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minto-Brown Island Park |
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| Location | Salem, Oregon |
| Area | 1,200 acres (490 ha) |
Minto-Brown Island Park is the biggest park in Salem, Oregon, United States. It's a great place for outdoor fun and learning about nature.
How the Park Started
The land that is now Minto-Brown Island Park has a long history. In 1857, a man named Isaac Brown built his home there. He lived on what was called Brown's Island. He raised farm animals and grew crops like tobacco.
Later, in 1867, another person named John Minto bought land nearby. His land was on Minto Island. He cleared the land to make it good for farming. Over time, these two "islands" became connected. They are no longer true islands because of changes in the river and land.
Why the Park Floods
The park area still gets flooded sometimes. This happens when the Willamette River gets very high. Because of these floods, buildings cannot be built there. Instead, the land is kept natural.
Many projects have helped improve the park's natural areas. Thousands of new trees have been planted. Farm fields have been changed back into native plant areas. This helps stop dirt from washing away. It also creates better homes for wildlife and keeps the water clean.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Minto-Brown Island Park is a huge place with lots to explore! It has many different areas for people to enjoy.
- Playground: There is a fun playground for kids to enjoy.
- Shelter: You can reserve a shelter for parties or gatherings.
- Trails: The park has many trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
- Picnic Areas: There are nice spots to have a picnic with friends or family.
- Dog Park: Your furry friends can run and play in a special dog park.
- Fishing Spots: If you like to fish, there are several places to cast your line.
- Paddle Boats: You can also enjoy paddle boating in certain areas.
The Park's Future
Minto-Brown Island Park has been growing! In 2013, the park got much bigger. An extra 307 acres (124 ha) of land was added. This made the park a total of 1,205 acres (488 ha).
A special bridge was also built. It is called the Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge. This bridge connects the park to Riverfront Park. It makes it easier for people to visit both parks. The bridge was finished in 2016. More paved trails are being planned for the park. There are also plans to make the park even better in the future.
