Ida M. Cotten Park: GO Bond Project
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Project Description
Ida M. Cotten Park was selected as one of the Reimagine Neighborhood Parks to receive funding from the Parks, Trails, & Open Space General Obligation Bond (GO Bond), approved in November 2022. Neighborhood parks funded by the GO Bond aim to invest and activate underutilized parks to increase access to green spaces and quality parks. The vision and desired usage of the park will be guided by the input we collect when we conduct community engagement. The completed project will feature new and improved amenities that are prioritized by residents and celebrate the community this park serves.
Project Details
Project Location
1815 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Project Manager
Tom Millar
Tom.Millar@slc.gov
Project Status
Project Design & Document Review
Public Engagement
Round 1 of Public Input: Understanding desired improvements
In the summer of 2024, SLC Public Lands conducted the first round of public input to understand how residents currently use the park and the desired improvements for the park. This round of engagement helps staff identify the priorities of the community and how we can design the park to better meet the needs of the community.
Round 2 of Public Input: Feedback on Proposed Designs
Based on the feedback that was received in the first round, proposed designs were developed and staff conducted another round of public input to refine the final designs.
The final design will include the following considerations to incorporate the feedback heard during the public input process:
- Provide swings
- Preserve existing trees
- Ensure shade
- Maintain visibility and clear site lines throughout the park
- Include a fence where appropriate around the newly built playground
Read the report below to view the proposed designs and learn in more detail what we heard in this stage.
Project Updates
Next Steps
Staff are working on the project design and document review to prepare for construction. City staff will work with landscape architects, consultants, operations managers and engineers to ensure the final design meets community desires, budget limitations, and infrastructure capacity.
Project Timeline
Develop the project’s scope of work.
First Public Input Opportunity: Identify the Public’s values and vision for the project.
Evaluate Public Feedback.
Develop Concept Designs.
Second Public Input Opportunity: Showcase concept plans for public evaluation and feedback.
Project Design & Document Review.
Contractor Bidding & Selection.
Construction.
History of the Park
Ida Margaret Cotten was born on April 8, 1875 in Reese River, Nye, Nevada. As a cherished resident of Liberty Wells, Ida was known for her unwavering commitment to the neighborhood and her active involvement in community affairs. Her home, which once stood proudly in the area, became a focal point of her life and a gathering place for friends and neighbors.
Tragedy struck when Ida’s home was destroyed by fire, leaving behind an empty lot that once held countless memories. Rather than viewing this loss as a setback, Ida, alongside her fellow community members, envisioned a brighter future for the land. Their collective desire to transform the vacant space into a park reflected Ida’s enduring spirit and her belief in the importance of community spaces for recreation and connection. She passed away on January 9 1957, in Temple City, Los Angeles, California, United States, at the age of 81.
Through dedication and persistent efforts, the dream of a community park became a reality. On October 31, 1992, the park was officially dedicated, serving as a testament to Ida Cotten’s legacy and her love for the Liberty Wells community. Today, the park stands not only as a place for leisure and enjoyment but also as a tribute to Ida’s lasting influence and the strong bonds forged among the residents she so dearly loved.
Ida Cotten (left) with brother and sister-in-law Hugh and Mary Jennifer Tiernay.
Image Gallery
