SLC.gov

Feb. 19, 2026

Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Lands has unveiled two concept designs for improvements to Jefferson Park (1084 S. West Temple) and is inviting the public to share feedback through an online survey.

Jefferson Park, a three-acre Public Utilities detention basin and public park in the Central 9th Neighborhood, will undergo upgrades to improve safety, connectivity, and community use. The concepts–developed from community engagement–include features such as a new perimeter walking path, gathering spaces with seating, native and waterwise landscaping, enhanced lighting, and additional recreation amenities. A new playground was installed in September 2025 as an early project improvement.

During the first phase of engagement in 2024, Public Lands aimed to identify the community’s values and vision for the project. Community outreach and site analysis for the project revealed both the need and desire for a more welcoming, safer park with more amenities. Jefferson’s key guiding principles include: 

• Engage the community 
• Respect the function as a stormwater detention basin  
• Improve accessibility to park amenities 
• Apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines 
• Incorporate Sustainable SITES principles (make the park better for people and the natural world) 
• Improve park neighborhood connectivity 

“Jefferson Park plays a critical role in both neighborhood livability and stormwater management,” said Amy Reid, project manager for Public Lands. “These concepts reflect what we heard from the community, a desire for a safer, more welcoming space that supports recreation, connection, and sustainability while honoring the park’s unique function.” 

Given the constraints of creating a park in a detention basin, CIP funding for a perimeter walking path, and the need to apply CPTED guidelines, the concepts share many similarities. However, they vary in design approach and amenities. Community feedback on desired placemaking features is especially important for this project. Following the public feedback period, the design team will refine elements from both concepts into a final recommended design. 

Design concepts may be viewed on the Jefferson Park project webpage.   

Concept 1: Heart of the Neighborhood 

By blending function and form, a revitalized Jefferson Park will continue to provide essential stormwater management services while revitalizing a key community green space to increase park safety and use. A variety of gathering spaces and an expanded play area will create spaces where the community can come together.  

Concept 2: On the Go 

The design aims to create a safe environment and play opportunities for all ages by providing flexible open space and the addition of two loop paths. Pathway and plaza layouts create an energetic design. Updates include an improved event space to support future community activities and plenty of places to gather.  

The Jefferson Park revitalization project is funded by $750,000 from the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation Bond and by a $530,000 constituent Capital Improvement Project award.