May 22, 2025

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Downtown Alliance to explore the feasibility of a new, public building at Pioneer Park. The project would complement the City-led Pioneer Park Vision Plan, which is fully funded and set to break ground this fall.

“Pioneer Park is a cornerstone of our downtown heritage, and it has long been full of untapped potential,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “This public-private partnership with the Downtown Alliance paves the way for positive change and increased public safety—while working in concert with the long-planned park improvements Salt Lakers have asked for.”

The Downtown Alliance’s proposed building would provide a permanent home for the Downtown Ambassadors, offering a visible daily presence in the park and contributing to a stronger sense of safety. It could also house a year-round Farmers Market, community events, and public restrooms. 

“We look forward to the results of the feasibility study, which the Downtown Alliance will begin leading this summer,” said Blake Thomas, senior advisor on real estate and capital projects. “This study, along with the efforts our Public Lands team has undertaken, has the potential to transform this park into a year-round destination and serve as a model for public-private partnerships to enhance our City assets.”

Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park Vision Plan was created in 2021, following the City Council’s approval of $3.44 million in impact fees in 2019 to begin reinvestment in the park. In 2022, Mayor Mendenhall proposed—and the Council approved—$10 million in funding through the City’s $67.5 million Sales Tax Bond. Most recently, in 2024, the Council allocated an additional $4.96 million, allowing the city to move forward with implementing all phases of the Vision Plan at once.

“We are adding the community’s top requested amenities including tree groves, gardens, a contemporary playground, an improved off leash dog area, a basketball court, and six pickleball courts,” said Nancy Monteith, senior landscape architect. “The layout design also makes it easier to host smaller to mid-sized events with the food truck promenade and a new comfort station combined with a park ranger station. Integrating these popular amenities for recreation and programming will bring more people to the park throughout the day and week.”

As part of the community engagement process, the Public Lands Department collected feedback from over 2,800 people and worked with community groups including the Downtown Alliance to shape the planned amenities. The park is also seeking SITES certification, a framework that recognizes sustainability and resilience in the design, development, and management of landscapes to benefit the environment and communities.