Sunnyside Park: Improvement Project
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Project Description
Using funds from the Parks GO Bond and $4.2 million provided by the University of Utah, this project totals approximately $5 million to “reimagine” Sunnyside Park and reflect neighborhood needs.
Community members shared insights and ideas with the City’s project team in the Fall of 2024. Collectively, three priorities for the park were identified:
- Add amenities that serve diverse interests, more age groups, and broader ability levels.
- Maintain and enhance sport amenities by upgrading and updating what exists.
- Increase unprogrammed leisure areas with the addition of trees, trails, natural areas, and open spaces.
These priorities guided the design concepts for the park improvements, which were presented to the community in May 2025.
Project Details
Project Location
1735 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Project Manager
Kira Johnson
Email
sunnysidepark@slc.gov
Phone
(385) 509-6012
Project Status
Project Design & Document Review
Community Engagement
First Round COMPLETED: Fall 2024
From September to October 2024, Public Lands talked with community members at events and through a survey to understand desired improvements for Sunnyside Park. We received input from over 350 residents and park users.
Second Round COMPLETED: May 2025
In May 2025, Public Lands gathered feedback on three park designs through an online survey. We received 539 survey responses, from which a final concept is being developed.
Project Updates
CURRENTLY: Project Design & Document Review
The project team has adjusted the design of the park based on feedback received during the second round of public input.
Construction documents are being finalized, after which Public Lands will go out to bid to select a construction contractor.
Construction is tentatively expected to begin in 2027.
Project Funding
“Reimagine Neighborhood Parks” ($750,000 – Parks GO Bond)
In November 2022, Salt Lake City voters approved the Parks GO Bond. As part of the bond, each city council district received $1.5 million to enhance parks.
Based on the priorities and goals outlined in the East Bench Master Plan and the “Reimagine Nature” SLC Public Lands Master Plan, Sunnyside Park was identified as a location to receive “Reimagine Neighborhood Parks” funding in City Council District 6.
U of U Lease Agreement ($4.2 million)
On March 5, 2024, Salt Lake City Council voted to approve a below-market ground lease process. The lease consists of 1.175 acres of Salt Lake City-owned property at Sunnyside Park to the University of Utah to facilitate the expansion of the University’s baseball playing field to meet NCAA requirements for a competition field.
The lease agreement will include an initial $4.2 million payment from the University to Salt Lake City, followed by annual payments of $1.00 for the next 99 years. Funds from the initial lease payment will be used to enhance and improve Sunnyside Park. Read more about how this City Council approval will impact the park.
Project Timeline
Phase 1
Develop the project’s scope of work.
Phase 2
First Public Input Opportunity: Identify the Public’s values and vision for the project.
Phase 3
Evaluate Public Feedback.
Phase 4
Develop Concept Designs.
Phase 5
Second Public Input Opportunity: Showcase concept plans for public evaluation and feedback.
Phase 6
Project Design & Document Review.
Phase 7
Contractor Bidding & Selection.
Phase 8
Construction.
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