Formerly Raging Waters, a plan for Glendale Regional Park is released

SALT LAKE CITY — A master plan for Glendale Regional Park has been released, revealing a colorful gathering place utilizing remnants of the former popular water park known as Raging Waters.

Raging Waters, later Seven Peaks Waterpark, was a popular summer attraction until it shut down in 2018.

According to the plan, the Glendale Regional Park fills a need for investment in westside parks and “enhancing park spaces along the Jordan River.”

The plan states, “Public Lands needs to fulfill a directive, established by the site funding requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, to provide publicly accessible outdoor recreation to the community by 2024.”

Who’s paying for all of this?

Project coordinator Kat Maus and said phase 1 of the project is covered.  “In terms of significant funding, there is a bond that will be on the ballot. A general obligation bond that has $27 million that will be going to Glendale regional park development.”

If passed, other money in the bond will go toward improvements at different parks around the city.

If it isn’t passed, Maus said this multi-phase project will stretch over a longer period of time.

The park will fill the amenity for the Westside with features that highlight the community’s culture and diversity and is scheduled to be finished no later than April 2024. The future park site is located between Glendale Golf Course, Glendale Neighborhood Park, 1700 South River Park and the Jordan River Parkway.

Here’s what the park rendering features:

A community plaza

The plaza will host events and celebrations with space for food trucks and market booths.

It will have multiple picnic areas, pavilions, and large lawns for gatherings, performances, and classes.

Nature access and activities

Multi-use trails lead to a hilltop overlook, suited for sledding in the winter or mountain biking in the summer. A variety of trails will connect with others in the area for those interested in hiking, biking, or strolling.

The location along the Jordan River also creates outdoor opportunities including a kayak rental station and better access to the river for other activities. Newly planted trees will shade the park and plants will help restore the riverside habitat.

A bridge will be built to connect the park to the Jordan River Parkway trail.

Playground and facilities

A bright, accessible playground will be built for people of all abilities to enjoy while a new basketball court will provide full-court outside play. A riverside beach volleyball court will also be constructed.

The previous lazy river from the former Raging Waters will be repurposed as a skating ribbon: home to roller skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Two different climbing features: one for children, one for all ages, will be built to practice bouldering.

The new park also features a stage area for performances and concerts.

Water features

The park will include a “water play feature” to splash in on the plaza along with a large outdoor pool for families to swim and cool off in the summer.

To see the full rendering of the new park, click here.