This November, Salt Lake City voters have an opportunity to vote on the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation (GO) Bond. This bond provides the opportunity to build on existing investments to enhance the public lands system. If passed, the City plans to fund eight significant projects across the City. The bond projects were identified through public input, the priorities expressed in the Reimagine Nature Public Lands Master Plan (2022), preliminary polling data, geographic distribution, equity in the level of service across the City, and the Mayor’s 2022 Plan. Project budgets, plus a 20% contingency, add up to $85 million.

Bond opportunities include: 

• Help constructing the new Glendale Regional Park at the old Raging Waters waterpark site on 1700 South, to add new regional park amenities to the west side and alleviate the pressures of significant use at Liberty and Sugar House Parks. 
• Create new parks, including playgrounds and trails, in Glendale and the Granary District, where there are currently very few green spaces to play. 
• Update aged facilities and increase community identity for at least one neighborhood park, trail, or open space per council district and at Allen, Fairmont, and Liberty Parks. 
• Improve degraded waterways to enhance water quality, pollinator habitat, and migratory nesting grounds. 
• Complete the connection of the Folsom Trail to the Jordan River Parkway Trail and add landscaping and additional trail amenities, improving east/west connections and providing easier access for biking and walking to and between these public spaces. 
• Increase the City’s tree canopy and plant biodiversity, and restore natural landscapes in parks and open spaces that use less water and are adapted to our arid climate. 

All bond-funded projects include comprehensive community engagement to determine the final design and implementation plans. Before any park, trail, or open space is re-designed or rebuilt, the City will ask for community feedback to understand how each project can help these public spaces better serve our neighborhoods. Public input, master plans, and best practices will be used to inform decisions for each project and determine how improvements are prioritized. 

Details on the proposed projects, what will be on the ballot in November, frequently asked questions, and information about voting are all available on the project website SLCParksBond.com.