Independence, Monmouth, Dallas, Stayton, Corvallis and Albany also offer outdoor summer concert series.

According to Craig Urbani with the West Salem Neighborhood Association, 25 years ago the City of Salem started this tradition, assisted by the West Salem Lions Club. In the early `90s the Lions Club took over completely when the City of Salem cut funding for staff support during the Measure 5 budget cuts.

Fifteen years ago Rick Stucky and the Highland Neighborhood Association followed the park concert idea in an effort to do something to "take back the park" from drug dealing and gang activity.  
"The concerts proved to be not only a success in making the park family friendly again but in motivating the city to make park improvements like resurfacing the tennis courts and the new stage, play equipment and picnic tables," said Stucky.
After observing the success of Highland Park, other neighborhoods soon followed suit.  Kate Tarter, along with Lee Ann and Richard Reed, worked together to start the Northgate Park concerts, and they are celebrating their 5th year this summer.

Not only are outdoor concerts fun for audiences, but musicians enjoy them as well.

"For me, playing my music in the parks is a good opportunity for neighbors and families to come out and have a shared experience in a nice setting," musician Garry Meziere said.