🌳 SLC park closures and openings

Big investments are headed to Salt Lake City parks. Here’s what’s happening in our greenspaces, from upcoming projects to park closures.

• Expect more bathrooms. Salt Lake City just approved $12.7 million for parks and public spaces projects this week. $1.1 million of that will go toward restroom improvements citywide, with Riverside Park in Rose Park singled out as a priority. Salt Lake City currently only has 47 park restrooms. [KSL, Instagram]
• Sugar House Park is upgrading its culinary water. The city is investing $1 million alongside Salt Lake County to replace the system before it reaches "a state of critical failure." [KSL]
• Liberty Park’s new Rotary Play Park could open soon. After a year of remodeling, thanks to $2 million from the city’s parks bond, construction is scheduled to wrap up by the end of the summer. [City Cast Salt Lake, Salt Lake City]
• These parks are closed for the season for repairs: Ida M. Cotten Park in Liberty Wells is getting a makeover until spring 2027, and Miller Bird Refuge in Yalecrest is set to reopen in December. More closures are on the horizon for Donner Trail Park, Allen Park, and Poplar Grove Park. [KSL]
• Miss the playground you usually hit? Check our parks map made by podcast host Ali Vallarta, and discover one of the 511 parks around the county. [City Cast Salt Lake]

SLC’s New Whale Era

You might have noticed Salt Lake City has begun to paint a new mural on the 9th and 9th whale. The former mural, “Point of Reference,” will be replaced with "Open Your Eyes" by local artist Jiyoun Lee-Lodge. The city will celebrate the completed mural with “Whale Fest” on Oct. 3. [Salt Lake City Government]

Utahn Reps SLC on 'Survivor'

Salt Laker Christian Chavez, 26, is on "Survivor" season 51. Chavez is a "head of HR" and is ready to “do anything to win.” The season premieres Sept. 23. Fun fact: Former contestant Sean Edwards was my high school teacher. [X, Deadline]

SLCo E-Bikers To Be Regulated

The Salt Lake County Council could soon cap e-bike speeds at 20 mph in public parks, among other places. Riders who go over the limit could face a $150 fine. The council says the ordinance is about safety, and they'll discuss it again Sept. 1. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Utah Faces A Black Bear Problem

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has reported 168 black bear issues in 2026, up from 83 this time last year. That’s due to weather conditions negatively impacting bears’ food supply, causing them to go beyond their homes. [FOX 13]

Does Cox Have a Point?

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has a bee in his bonnet about the dangers of social media for kids. After Meta agreed to pay the state $212 million in a lawsuit settlement, we're asking: Is Cox right? Or is Utah's approach verging on censorship? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]