St. George Breaks Ground on Thunder Junction Expansion

The 2.5-acre project adds new attractions to the decade-old park for residents of all abilities.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Theme Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a stylized mammoth and train track in an arid desert landscape, reflecting community park expansion.
St. George officials broke ground on a 2.5-acre expansion of the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, adding an Ice Age-themed recreation area. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. George officials have officially broken ground on a 2.5-acre expansion of the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. The project will introduce an Ice Age-themed area and extend the park’s existing railroad tracks.

Why it matters

The expansion aims to provide more inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities within the local community. It builds upon the success of the facility, which has served the city for ten years.

The project is financed through a portion of a $29 million, 25-year general obligation bond approved by voters in 2023. Visitors currently pay a $2 fee to ride the park's existing train.

The players

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park

This St. George facility is a specialized recreational space designed to accommodate visitors of all physical and cognitive abilities.

The details

The expansion adds a new Ice Age theme to the existing dinosaur-themed site, which features a volcano, a splash pad, and a train. The park serves as a community resource that also provides employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.

Timeline

  1. Thunder Junction All Abilities Park opened in 2016.

  2. Voters approved the general obligation bond in 2023.

  3. City officials held the groundbreaking on October 20, 2026.

  4. The expansion project is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

Travel Outlook

The project follows the funding pattern established by the 2023 city general obligation bond. This development mirrors a broader trend of municipalities prioritizing inclusive infrastructure to support long-term regional tourism and accessibility.

Families can expect the current dinosaur-themed attractions to remain central to the park experience as the new Ice Age area takes shape. Travelers and local residents should plan for potential construction activity on the site through the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

The park continues to evolve as a key local resource for inclusive play and specialized employment. Residents and visitors can anticipate a significantly larger and more diverse set of attractions upon the project's completion in 2027.

Further reading

For more information on recreational facilities in the area, visit the Theme Parks section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.

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Do you believe your local government effectively prioritizes tax spending for community accessibility projects?