Parks, Properties & Cemeteries

Mission

The mission of the Parks, Properties and Cemeteries section is to ensure all public grounds, parks, play fields, buildings, historic structures, and cemeteries are open and safe for use to the public year round; as well as, provide the highest level of professional interment services at all the three cemeteries within the Town of Salem.

Description

The primary function of this section is to perform professional burial services at the Town's cemeteries for the residents of Salem. Maintenance of these cemeteries is extremely time-consuming. Regular maintenance includes lawn mowing, weed trimming, tree pruning, flower planting, Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, snow plowing, leaf blowing/raking and responding to residents' concerns. This section is also responsible for enforcing cemetery ordinances and rules.

This section also administers facility oversight of Town Hall, District Court House, Depot Train Station, Historic Buildings, Parks Buildings and Pine Grove Cemetery. This section is also responsible for maintenance issues including, HVAC systems, lighting, sidewalks, parking lots, lawns, irrigation systems, fire and burglary systems, cleaning, and general upkeep. Maintenance of Michele Memorial Park, Hedgehog Park, Palmer School (field), and the Linwood Avenue playground are also part of the operations with turf management, tennis courts, and facility operating needs. Another important duty is management of election polling station set up of which all DPW personnel are used. Staff also assists with moving items for various charities during the holidays, recreation supplies for camps, and files during the year-end.