Rotary Play Park Closing for Makeover
Liberty Park’s Rotary Play Park will be closing on September 2, 2025, for a makeover after two decades of use.
History:
This all-ages and all-abilities play park was created to honor the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games hosted in Utah. The play park has been a staple in the Salt Lake City community for years offering up an inclusive space for play. The Department of Public Lands is ready to breathe new life into the project and ensure that it is accessible to all users for years to come.
Community use:
Located at Liberty Park – the largest city park in Salt Lake City – the play park receives frequent use and has served families and children with accessible play for more than 20 years. Funded by parks impact fees and the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation Bond, the inclusive playground will feature a wide range of nature-inspired, imaginative, and skill-building elements designed for children of all ages and abilities.
Accessibility in public parks:
The final design was shaped by extensive community engagement, including pop-up events at the park, online surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder meetings. More than 1,700 people from Salt Lake City, the broader region, and inclusivity and disability stakeholder organizations contributed ideas, best practices, reviews, and feedback between summer 2023 and spring 2024. Families and accessibility experts expressed strong interest in imaginative play, obstacle courses, natural open space, shade, and safety features.
Highlights of the play park include:
- A climbing tower
- A group pendulum swing
- Wheelchair accessible spin carousel
- Splash zone
- Sand tables
- Meadow maze
- In-ground jumpers
- Swings and slides
- Shaded seating and picnic areas
- Natural play areas
- Adaptive interpretive features for individuals with vision, hearing, and communication differences
- Inclusive play equipment that encourages shared and independent exploration for a wide range of physical abilities
The Department of Public Lands looks forward to getting started on this project that will provide a space for inclusive play for all patrons.
Project timeline:
- The playground is expected to reopen in summer 2026.
Plans & rendering:
The newly reimagined play park will focus on a diverse range of learning and play experiences that are accessible and engaging for users of all ages and abilities. To dive into the details of the project and see renderings, take a look at the Liberty Park Rotary Play Park inclusive playground design plan.
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.