Due to public health and safety concerns the Seven Canyons Fountain in Liberty Park will not be opening this summer. The public art structure was donated to the residents of Salt Lake City in 1993 as a legacy gift from Mr. O.C. Tanner.

The fountain is now 24 years old and in urgent need of updating in order to meet current state Health Department safety standards and remain operational and open to the public. With the help of donors Salt Lake City has invested in new pumps, filters, and a sanitation controller for the fountain, but the City now finds these improvements are insufficient to meet required safety code.

An ultraviolet sanitation system is necessary to suitably remove water-borne pathogens; the area of the fountain where children and infants play needs to be raised to eliminate the drowning hazard; fountain edges need improved surfacing to prevent mud and organic matter from entering the water and clogging the pumps and sanitation system.

“The health and safety of our park patrons is of utmost importance”, said City Parks Director Kristin Riker. “We are constantly monitoring potential hazards in our parks and keeping up with appropriate codes and guidelines.”

Liberty Park provides the community with two other recreational water features: the Liberty Park pool, and the splash pad located at the children’s playground approximately 300 feet north of the fountain.