Story Behind the Globe This sphere was originally a large pressurized tank used by Boise Cascade to hold acids that were used to “cook” wood chips into pulp. It was a 5-year process to transform this “acid ball” into a beautiful piece of art that includes 86,000 tiles depicting the entire globe, created by local artists and students, reflecting the diversity on land and water.
Eco-Earth Globe Restoration
After years of exposure to the elements, the Eco-Earth Globe began to lose tiles and show signs of disrepair. The Salem Parks Foundation has graciously stepped up to coordinate a community fundraising effort with a goal to raise $300,000 (of the $400,000 estimated total) for these repairs.
Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon, is home to a number of annual events, including the World Beat Festival, 4th of July Celebration, Christmas tree lighting, and many various walk/run events. It is also home to the Eco Earth Globe, located at the southern portion of the park.
The City of Salem bought this property from Boise Cascade and started clearing it during the 1980s. The 26-acres of existing parkland is the result of industrial land conversion. Paper, flour, and woolen mills, as well as a coal gasification plant and an auto junkyard formerly occupied the site. The Riverfront Carousel was added in 2001. The most recent addition to the park came in 2005, when the Salem Rotary Club, as their centennial project, raised funds and built an open-air pavilion in the park. In addition to the pavilion, the overlook and floating boat dock were also added in 2005. Not only is the dock home to the Willamette River Queen, but it can also accommodate canoes and kayaks while offering a beautiful view of the Willamette River.
Visit Salem and the independent inns of the Willamette Valley. Plan a few days to explore the beautiful Riverfront Park, the State Capital Park, museums, and other historic sites well worth seeing. With over 40 city parks, Salem also has plenty of open space especially near the Willamette River.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
