Flanking the west wing of the Oregon State Capitol, the four-acre Willson Park has been an important green space in Salem, Oregon, since the original Capitol was built in 1854. Now, the park will receive a much-needed renovation as the final phase of intensive improvements at the Capitol building and grounds. Construction at the park has begun with completion expected later in 2026.

Mayer/Reed’s design for Willson Park improves accessibility and circulation and unifies park elements. The new design reimagines the long-defunct Waite Memorial Fountain as a central memorial garden with a two-tiered granite seat wall. The Walk of Flags monument is repositioned along the updated central loop pathway, better connecting the Capitol to the existing World War II and Vietnam War memorials at the park edges.

The Willson Park redesign is a joint project of the Oregon Department of Administration Services and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The project is a continuation of our work with CannonDesign on prior phases of the Oregon State Capitol renovation.