🛝 Riverfront Park playground expected to reopen in October

The Gist: Salem’s upgraded Riverfront Park playground is expected to soft open in early October following construction delays. The site has been closed since April for a roughly $2.5 million revamp, missing its original summer reopening target. The new wildlife-themed space includes a multilevel main structure, a “Beaver Dam” climbing feature, synthetic turf and a music station.
Why It Matters: Families will soon get back a beloved play space designed to be more inclusive for children of different abilities. New features include accessible play equipment, smoother pathways, a quieter low-sensory area and fencing around the playground.
What’s Next: A soft opening is expected in early October, with a grand opening planned after the final pieces of equipment arrive.

🤖 Salem’s Agility Robotics unveils new warehouse helper

The Gist: Salem-based Agility Robotics has unveiled Digit 5, its newest warehouse robot. The company says it can lift up to 50 pounds, work more than 20 hours a day with charging breaks, and use built-in safety systems designed to help it work near people. Its previous model logged more than 65,000 hours across customer sites, including Amazon. Early access to Digit 5 is expected in the first half of 2027.
Why It Matters: These robots are assembled right here in Salem at Agility’s RoboFab factory. The latest model aims to handle more heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, putting local manufacturing at the center of a growing robotics industry.

🔥 Bold Thai flavors with an open-kitchen show

1130 Royvonne Ave SE #105, Salem, OR 97302

Watching the culinary action firsthand brings a welcome spark to dinner. Royal Thai Kitchen blends traditional recipes with fresh herbs and a modern touch. Guests love the lively buzz around their exhibition kitchen, fast service, and great value.

Signature drunken noodles (traditionally called Pad Kee Mow) and a clear, extensive vegetarian menu make it an easy stop for a relaxed meal, fast takeout, or event catering.

🤠 Leather, ropes, cold beer, and pantry staples

7235 3rd St SE Building 3, Turner, OR 97392

Just south of Salem in Turner, Winding Creek Ranch Mercantile is a family-run shop packed with western apparel, boots, hats, ropes, tack, unique gifts, houseplants and plenty of unexpected finds.

Bring in a cowboy hat for steaming and a little personality at the custom hat bar, or have a leather or wood item branded while you shop. You can even grab a beer on tap while you browse, then stop by the new year-round market corner for specialty dry goods, snacks and pickled treats.

The business started as a small pop-up at youth rodeos before opening its Turner storefront in 2023. Now the friendly team is getting ready for its annual Cowboy Cookout on October 24, with tickets currently available.