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Salt Lake City unveils final design for Fairmont Park  

Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands has unveiled the final concept design for Fairmont Park, marking an exciting milestone in the reimagining of one of the City’s most beloved neighborhood parks. Located at 1040 E. Sugarmont Dr. in the heart of Sugar House, the 27-acre park will be transformed through a community-driven vision that prioritizes connection, safety, sustainability, and play for all ages. 

The final design is the result of an extensive, year-long engagement and planning process led by Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands in collaboration with landscape architecture firm CIVITAS. The process included detailed site analysis, multiple stakeholder meetings, two community open houses, and online surveys that gathered feedback from more than 720 community members. 

“Fairmont Park is deeply loved by its neighbors, and this design directly reflects what we heard from the community,” said Kim Shelley, director of Public Lands. “By looking at the park as a whole rather than piecemealing improvements, we’re creating a long-term vision that enhances what people already love while making the park more welcoming, resilient, and accessible for generations to come.” 

A Community-Centered Vision 

Guided by community input, the final design was built around six core principles: 

• Create a strong sense of arrival 

• Preserve what the community loves today 

• Encourage a safe, accessible, and welcoming park 

• Enhance spaces for gathering, play, and relaxation 

• Expand park users to bring more eyes on the park 

• Build a resilient, sustainable park 

The overall vision enhances the park-like setting along Sugarmont Drive, extends the McClelland Trail south into the heart of the park, and consolidates restrooms, a park ranger station, maintenance facilities, and a large shade canopy into a central community hub. The design also expands recreational opportunities and introduces nature-based exploration play, while preserving Fairmont Park’s existing tree canopy and integrating a naturalized Utah landscape. 

A key goal of the overall concept is sustainability. The design significantly reduces water-intensive turf in underutilized areas and replaces it with drought-tolerant native landscapes, focusing lawn areas where they are most needed for sports and gathering. New hard and soft-surface trails activate quieter areas of the park, improving visibility, comfort, and safety throughout. 

Phase 1 Improvements 

The final design establishes a long-term vision for the entire park while identifying a Phase 1 that aligns with current funding and delivers a complete park experience even if future funding is delayed. 

Phase 1 includes: 

• Sugarmont Drive pedestrian and bike promenade 

• Community garden and parking improvements 

• Play area for the Boys & Girls Club 

• McClelland Trailhead promenade 

• Central gathering plaza 

• Park ranger station and restrooms 

• Nature-based play area 

• Beginner skate zone 

• Full-size basketball court 

Construction for Phase 1 is anticipated to begin early in 2027. The $6.5 million phase will be funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Program and the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation Bond.  

The overall concept design, which would require an additional $3.5 million in funding, includes amenities such as expanded community gardens, a boardwalk along the park’s eastern edge, enhanced volleyball and pickleball areas, a larger dog park, a central gathering lawn, and extended trail connections.