Salt Lake City

Public Lands Department

publiclands@slc.gov

Liberty Park Playground: GO Bond Project

Background image of liberty park playground.

Liberty Park Playground: GO Bond Project

About the Project

Built as an all-ages and abilities park that honored the legacy of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games hosted in Utah, Liberty Park’s Rotary Play Park is well-loved and well-worn. Reimagining Liberty Park’s Rotary Play Park will utilize $2 million of the Reimagine Neighborhood Parks General Obligation bond funding (approved in November 2022) to conduct engagement around the community vision and desired usage. The goal of community engagement for this project is to revitalize the playground in a manner that sizably increases demand and park utilization. Upon completion of public engagement, the City will go through a detailed design process and implement the established vision for the playground. 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:

 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Project Manager:

Jon Ruedas

Email:

Jon.Ruedas@slc.gov

Project Status:

Project Design & Document Review

Salt Lake City Parks, Trails & Open Space bond logo.

Project History

First Round of Public Input

In the summer of 2023, we talked to families at the play park, met with area Community Councils, held focus groups, and surveyed hundreds of people online to learn what additions and improvements users wanted to see. Many people said they wanted a playground that’s accessible for children of all ages and abilities. Playground features that encourage exploration through imaginative play and obstacle courses were high on the preference survey as were a natural, open space concept, shade structures, drinking fountains, improved sightlines, and other safety features.

Second Round of Public Input

Based on community feedback we heard in the first round, we developed three design concepts in early 2024. After gathering more input in May, we’ve refined these ideas into a final design! This concept reflects public preferences, including desired activities, clearer sightlines, more shade, and better seating.

Project Updates

Next Steps

The team is currently reviewing the design to prepare for construction. The goal is to advertise for a construction contractor in 2025 and begin construction shortly after. It is tentatively expected that the playground will be completed early in 2026.

While Liberty Park’s Rotary Play Park is under construction, there is another playground in the northeast corner of the park, next to the Rice Terrace Pavilion.

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Alternative Playgrounds during Construction

Rice Pavilion Playground
Liberty Park- Northeast Corner
Playground located next to Rice Terrace Pavilion.

Herman L Franks Park
1371 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Includes sports fields, a playground, and a fenced off-leash dog park.

Richmond Park
444 E 600 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
A neighborhood park offering a playground and green space.

Ida M. Cotten Park
1815 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
A quiet space with a playground for relaxation and play.

Van Ness Tot Lot
426 Van Ness Pl S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
A very small playground ideal for young children with its tot-friendly playground, located at 426 Van Ness Pl S.

Victory Park
1050 E Markea Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Provides open space and a playground for various activities.

Reservoir Park
42 S University St, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Offers green space and a playground for recreational activities.

Pioneer Park
350 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Features a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a dog park.

Inglewood Park
1159 S McClelland St, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
A serene neighborhood park with a playground and drinking fountain.

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.

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Public Input Opportunity 2: Showcase concept plans for public evaluation and feedback.

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Project Design & Document Review.

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Contractor Bidding & Selection.

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Construction.