Salt Lake City Removed Pool From Glendale Park Plans
Officials cited fiscal and operational challenges for excluding a swimming pool from the upcoming park site.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Swimming
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Salt Lake City has officially removed a proposed swimming pool from the construction plans for Glendale Regional Park. The decision follows a feasibility assessment conducted by Salt Lake County, which currently manages all public aquatic facilities in the area.
Why it matters
The change reflects the city's broader struggle to balance ambitious infrastructure projects with the operational costs required to maintain them. While a pool was promised by Mayor Mendenhall in 2024, the city has ultimately deferred to the county's determination that the project is not currently feasible.
The park site, which formerly housed the Raging Waters waterpark, will instead feature a splash pad incorporating remnants of old waterpark slides. The site plan remains designed to accommodate a potential pool installation in the future.
The players
Erin Mendenhall
She is the Mayor of Salt Lake City who previously promised the construction of a new pool.
Salt Lake County
This is the regional government entity responsible for operating existing public aquatic facilities in the area.
The details
The city explored a partnership with Salt Lake County to manage the facility, but those efforts were halted after the county evaluated the project against its 10-year recreation plan. Completion of the park and its new splash pad remains on track for 2029.
Timeline
January 2024: Mayor Mendenhall promised a pool at the State of the City address.
October 2026: The city confirmed the removal of the pool from park plans.
2029: The park construction and splash pad completion are scheduled.
Season Trajectory
This decision marks a significant shift in the city's recreational infrastructure strategy, moving away from direct pool management. By aligning with Salt Lake County's established master plans, the city effectively defers major aquatic investment to regional authorities.
Residents should anticipate that the new park will open in 2029 without a traditional swimming pool. Families can expect the new splash pad to serve as the primary water-based amenity on the site.
The takeaway
While the park design leaves space for a potential pool in the future, residents should not count on its construction in the current planning cycle. The transition toward a splash-pad-only facility reflects the practical limitations of municipal recreation budgeting.
Further reading
For more on local aquatic initiatives, visit Swimming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
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