Madsen Park: GO Bond Project
— Quick Links —
Project Description
Madsen 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 collected through 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
9 N Chicago St, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Project Manager
Tom Millar
Tom.Millar@slc.gov
Project Status
Project Design & Document Review
Community Engagement
Round 1 of Public Input: Identify Current Use and Desired Improvements
In 2024, we 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: Showcase Concept Plans for Evaluation and Feedback
Based on the first round of community feedback, we developed three design concepts. Engagement events and an online survey collected public input about the design concepts.
Project Updates
Current Phase: Project Design and Document Review
The team has finished concept design community engagement and is currently developing the final preferred concept and schematic design. The final preferred concept will be posted to this webpage soon.
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.
Park History
Why was the park named Madsen Park?
Richard Madsen was born on March 7, 1877, in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a vibrant community that would shape his character and future endeavors. As a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City, he witnessed the city’s growth and development, becoming an integral part of its narrative.
At the young age of 14, Richard began his career working in a furniture store, which laid the foundation for his future in the industry. His early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a keen understanding of the business world. He would go on to become a successful businessman, serving as president of several furniture firms throughout his career and contributing significantly to the local economy and industry.
On June 24, 1897, Richard married Mary Hannah Armstrong, and together they built a life that exemplified commitment to family and community. Richard owned the land that is now Madsen Park, and recognizing the need for a safe space for children to play, he listened to the concerns of parents in the Fairpark community. In response to their requests in June 1940, Richard generously allowed them to use his land to build a playground, which was constructed by local residents. His decision to support this initiative demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of his community and his belief in the importance of providing safe recreational spaces for families.
Throughout his life, Richard was known for his dedication to his community and his commitment to improving the lives of those around him. He played a significant role in local initiatives and was admired for his unwavering work ethic and leadership qualities. His contributions to the Salt Lake City community were marked by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create a better environment for future generations.
Richard Madsen’s life came to a close on May 17, 1948, in his hometown of Salt Lake City, at the age of 71. His legacy continues to be remembered by those who knew him and by the community he loved and served.
Image Gallery
