Parks, Recreation, and Youth Empowerment

About Salisbury Parks, Recreation, & Youth Empowerment

Salisbury Parks, Recreation, and Youth Empowerment is a multifaceted job  driven by the voices in the community.  Residents are personally connected to the activities and spaces related to Parks & Rec. Longstanding events hold special places in the community’s hearts, and tradition is in the forefront in Salisbury. Parks are the spaces where  memories are created,  children make touchdowns, families and friends celebrate birthdays, memorials, host remembrances, walk dogs, and where our children play. Over the years our community has contributed tremendously to building and/or maintaining our recreational spaces. The town, our schools, various organizations, and community members are constantly hosting community clean ups, community builds, or community fundraising to benefit these beloved spaces. It is absolutely where we connect with our loved ones and our community.  Salisbury Parks and Recreation is dedicated to bringing the community together through recreational activities, maintaining the upkeep of town facilities, and working with the community to support our youth and their families. 


What SPR does: 

Salisbury Youth Coalition

Salisbury is committed to supporting young people and families. To do this, the Town is working to create a community youth development coalition made up of representatives from the schools, police, local businesses, youth serving organizations, local government agencies, healthcare, parents/caregivers and young people. Together, we will use local data to identify the needs of the young people in Salisbury and collaborate to best serve our youth and families. This work is supported by the Essex County Asset Builder Network, a regional network of six communities (Newburyport, Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley and Salisbury) that is committed to supporting youth and families. The ECAB Network seeks to support young people by building protective factors in youth that help youth thrive and make healthy choices. Research shows the more protective factors young people have, the less likely they are to participate in high risk behaviors such as substance use, violence or bullying.

Recreational Programs

SPR strives to offer a variety of ALL age programs to Salisbury residents and beyond. Some of which include surfing, skateboarding, safety, fitness, horseback riding, farming, music, photography, and so much more. Programs are in partnership with local businesses and professionals. 

Managing Fields & Overseeing our Parks

SPR coordinates field usage/schedules for teams, leagues, and community use. 

Maintenance, Repairs, and Improvements

SPR works to continuously identify the needs of our recreational spaces and with the support of the DPW, implement &  schedule, repairs, improvements, and maintenance.  

Sampling of our Community Events

Togetherness, community, and tradition. SPR hosts a variety of events throughout the year:

Tuesdays are for Families at Salisbury Beach: July thru August 
Where families came for the story and spent the day! 
Movies in the Sand: July thru August 
The sand, sea, and sunset provided the most incredible venue.
9.11 Remembrance: Salisbury Lions 
Salisbury Days:  
Celebrating our Sweet Seaside Town: Fireman's Muster, Seaside Brewfest, Salisbury Beach Car Show, Fair in the Square, Kites & Castles, and so much more! 
Historic Dedications
Scarecrow Contest: October 
Salisbury’s Annual Scarecrow contest on our quaint Town Common.  
Trunk or Treat:  
Trunk or Treat is the area's most fun Halloween party at the Salisbury Beach Parking Lot.
Veterans Day 
Farmers Markets: 
Shake your Farmer's hand, tap your feet to the music, taste our local  market creations, and make old friends. 
Lighting of the Tree: Town Common w/Salisbury Chamber of Commerce  
Egg Drop:
Children ages 2-8, annual egg drop, music, entertainment, touch a truck, and a special visit from the Bunny
The Tortoise and the Hare 10k, 5k, 1 mile color run: 
Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk and Art Stroll
Memorial Day Parade

 

Community Garden

Salisbury has a lovely Community Garden located just behind the Police Station. Currently there are 30 Community gardeners. The community garden is self-funding and the space is led by a wonderful community of gardeners. PR’s role is to manage their funds, pay bills, purchase items, facilitate any issues that may arise – produce theft, deer.

Community Clean Ups

Members of the Community join forces to beautify their space. 

 


A History of Salisbury Parks & Recreation

Parks and Recreation Commission History: 

The Parks & Recreation Commission was established and approved by the Town at a Special Town Meeting held on May 18, 1998. The Parks and Recreation Commission replaced the "Youth Commission" and the "Summer Program Committee." It is made up of 5 members with appointed terms lasting 3 years. 

Recognizing a need for a town employee to oversee the tasks of Parks & Recreation the Town of Salisbury voted to create a part time Parks and recreation position, On July 1, 2021 Parks and Recreation part time position was officially created and on September 1, 2023, with the support of Essex County Asset Builders,  Parks & Recreation position is expanded to full time included Youth Empowerment. SPR is dedicated to creating opportunities for the community to connect in active and meaningful ways. Today, SPR boasts over 900 registered members on My Rec, nearly 700 of those members are registering for activities, and 210 facility reservations.  

 

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Jennifer Roketenetz Parks & Recreation Administrator

Commission Members

NameTitleTerm Expires

Chair

6/30/2025

Michael Colburn

Vice Chair

6/30/2026

Member

6/30/2024

Member

6/30/2028

Wendy Kimball

Member

6/30/2027