Salt Lake City Reopens Liberty Park Playground
The renovated Rotary Play Park now features accessible equipment and new public art installations.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in National Parks
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Salt Lake City officials have reopened the Rotary Play Park at Liberty Park following a $5 million renovation. The updated space incorporates natural materials and design elements specifically for children with sensory, hearing, and vision impairments.
Why it matters
This project responds to resident feedback requesting more imaginative play and accessible, nature-themed spaces. It also advances a local public art initiative that integrates creative installations throughout city parks.
The $5 million renovation was funded by $3 million from a general obligation bond and $2 million in impact fees. The project is the latest update to the site since the first playground was established there in 1912.
The players
Jann Haworth
This local artist is one of four selected to design sculptures for Salt Lake City parks.
Trent Call
This local artist is contributing to the city's public art initiative with new sculptural works.
Jason Manle
This local artist was commissioned to design sculptures for regional and pocket parks across the city.
The details
Planners utilized wood and natural materials to create the park based on 1,700 public survey responses. The site also serves as a focal point for a citywide art program that includes the installation of 20 new small sculptures.
Timeline
The first playground at the Liberty Park location opened in 1912.
Planning for the comprehensive playground renovation began in 2023.
The updated playground officially reopened to the public on October 27, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This development aligns with the city's broader strategy of dedicating 1.5 percent of bond funding to public art initiatives. It reflects a growing regional trend of integrating interactive, site-specific cultural installations into traditional recreational infrastructure.
Families visiting the park can now utilize specialized equipment designed for children with diverse sensory needs. The park is located within Liberty Park, which remains a primary site for city-led recreational and public art improvements.
The takeaway
The renovation demonstrates how public feedback can shape civic projects to be both more inclusive and aesthetically engaging. Residents can look forward to more artistic additions as the city continues its park-wide sculpture initiative.
What happens next
Three additional sculptures of the Woody the squirrel mascot are scheduled for installation in other city parks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
Live Poll
Do you support allocating a portion of park improvement bonds toward installing public art?
