SLC.gov

August 28, 2025

Salt Lake City’s beloved Rotary Play Park at Liberty Park will close on Tuesday, Sept. 2, as crews begin work to completely transform the two-decade-old playground into a more dynamic, inclusive regional play destination.

Initially built in 2003 to honor the legacy of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games, the Rotary Play Park has served children and families from across the City with accessible play. With new and more inclusive design standards, the upcoming redevelopment, scheduled for completion in summer 2026, will reimagine the site as an all-abilities play space, featuring a wide range of nature-inspired, imaginative, and skill-building elements designed for children of all ages and abilities.

“Liberty Park is one of our city’s most cherished gathering places, and this project is about investing in a play space that welcomes every child and family,” said Kim Shelley, Director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Lands. “This new design is a direct reflection of what we heard from residents. They asked for more nature, more shade, more adventure, and a place where all kids feel seen and included. We’re proud to deliver that.”

The final design was shaped by extensive community engagement, including pop-up events at the park, online surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder meetings. More than 1,700 people from Salt Lake City, the broader region, and inclusivity and disability stakeholder organizations contributed ideas, best practices, reviews, and feedback between summer 2023 and spring 2024. Families and accessibility experts expressed strong interest in imaginative play, obstacle courses, natural open space, shade, and safety features.

Highlights of the new play space include: 

·         A climbing tower 

·         A group pendulum swing 

·         Wheelchair accessible spin carousel  

·         Splash zone 

·         Sand tables 

·         Meadow maze 

·         In-ground jumpers 

·         Swings and slides 

·         Shaded seating and picnic areas  

·         Natural play areas 

·         Adaptive interpretive features for individuals with vision, hearing, and communication differences 

·         Inclusive play equipment that encourages shared and independent exploration for a wide range of physical abilities 

The $5 million redevelopment is funded through parks impact fees and the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation Bond, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2022. The new Rotary Play Park is one of several legacy park improvements funded through the bond, which aims to make high-quality parks and public spaces accessible to all those who visit or live in Salt Lake City.

While the play park is under construction, families are encouraged to visit nearby playgrounds and parks. A list of alternatives can be found on the City’s Public Lands website.