Park Commission Approves Witch House Fee Increase for Building Fund
Park & Recreation Commission · Meeting of August 18, 2026
Salem Park Commission approves Witch House admission fee increase to fund building stabilization. Elizabeth Peterson, Director of the Witch House, proposed a $5 surcharge directing the new adult admission to $17, up from $12, with seniors at $15 and children over six at $13, following the commission's annual review of fees. Mayor Dominick Pangallo appeared to advocate for depositing the surcharge into a municipal and school buildings stabilization fund.
The commission unanimously approved the surcharge and also unanimously approved seven special events across Salem parks, ranging from the Salem/Marblehead Annual Half Marathon in September to the Haunted Happenings Grande Parade in October, and received notification of a $1.7 million State Coastal Resiliency grant for Winter Island pathways restoration.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 434 words
Source: the Park & Recreation Commission meeting of August 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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