Salt Lake City Unveils 30-Foot Art Tree Design
A new light-refracting sculpture is planned as a centerpiece for the growing Glendale Regional Park.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in National Parks
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Salt Lake City officials have unveiled the design for a 30-foot, light-refracting tree sculpture at Glendale Regional Park. The commission aims to create an iconic landmark that highlights the west side's cultural history.
Why it matters
The installation is intended to serve as a central gathering point for the community while anchoring the park as a major local destination. It reflects ongoing efforts to transform the site following the closure of its former water park.
The city has allocated $27 million from an $85 million general bond for park construction and development. The 30-foot sculpture is part of an expansive vision for the site, where a former water park previously stood until 2018.
The players
Matthew Mazzotta
He is the artist commissioned by the city to design the tree art installation at Glendale Regional Park.
Salt Lake Art Design Board
This municipal body is responsible for reviewing and recommending public art projects for city spaces.
The details
Artist Matthew Mazzotta designed the piece with panels that refract sunlight to create dynamic color displays throughout the park. The design followed several outdoor feedback sessions held between the artist and local residents to ensure it captures the character of the west side.
Timeline
The site's former water park closed in 2018.
Residents approved a general bond for park improvements in 2022.
Glendale Regional Park officially opened in December 2025.
Salt Lake City unveiled the art piece design in October 2026.
Completion of the second phase of the park is expected by spring 2029.
Travel Outlook
This project follows the funding roadmap established by the 2022 Salt Lake City general bond, which provides the financial foundation for regional recreation development. It marks a significant transition from industrial or commercial use to public-facing green space.
Residents can anticipate construction activities starting in the spring, which will impact park access for the next two years. Those planning visits should monitor official city park updates for potential disruptions during the build-out of the second phase.
The takeaway
This installation demonstrates how cities use public art to define the identity of reclaimed urban land. Residents should engage with upcoming development phases to stay informed about how park accessibility changes during the multi-year expansion.
What happens next
Construction for the second phase of the park is scheduled to begin in the spring and will take approximately two years to complete.
Further reading
Learn more about local recreational initiatives on the National Parks section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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