Fairmont Park Improvement Project
Fairmont Park, a 27-acre green space in the Sugar House neighborhood, is getting upgrades to make it safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable for the community. Planned improvements include sprucing up the park’s north end, adding safety features, creating a new public art piece, and expanding the half-court basketball area into a full court.
The exact improvements have not been decided yet. To guide the project, the City will ask for input from park visitors and nearby residents. Community feedback will help the project team understand what people value most and what changes will make the biggest difference. These ideas will shape the final design and ensure the park continues to meet the needs of the people who use it.
Phases
Review & Report
Overview
Based on the feedback from the first round of public input (a public open house and over 260 online surveys) the design team developed three unique design alternatives for the park. The plans represented a variety of park configurations, diverse programming, and varying levels of naturalization throughout the park.
During the second round of public input, over 460 participants provided feedback, which highlighted that a strong promenade experience along Sugarmont Dr. and a centralized restroom and pavilion area were preferred design interventions. Pollinator gardens and the addition of a beginner’s skate park were also highly prioritized by the community.
Read the Second Engagement Report
Guiding Principles
These principles were developed after multiple stakeholder meetings and public open house, in conjunction with the design team.
1. Create a sense of arrival
2. Preserve what is loved by the community today
3. Encourage a safe, accessible, and welcoming park
4. Enhance spaces for community gathering, play, and relaxation
5. Expand park users to bring more eyes on the park
6. Build a resilient, sustainable park
Final Concept Design
As a result of the extensive community feedback, a final concept design was developed. The overall vision enhances the park-like setting along Sugarmont Drive, extends the McClelland Trail south into the heart of the park, and consolidates restrooms, a park ranger station, maintenance facilities, and a large shade canopy into a central community hub. The design also expands recreational opportunities and introduces nature-based exploration play, while preserving Fairmont Park’s existing tree canopy and integrating a naturalized Utah landscape.
A key goal of the overall concept is sustainability. The design significantly reduces water-intensive turf in underutilized areas and replaces it with drought-tolerant native landscapes, focusing lawn areas where they are most needed for sports and gathering. New hard and soft-surface trails activate quieter areas of the park, improving visibility, comfort, and safety throughout.
The final design establishes a long-term vision for the entire park while identifying a Phase 1 that aligns with current funding and delivers a complete park experience even if future funding is delayed.
Phase 1 includes:
- Sugarmont Drive pedestrian and bike promenade
- Community garden and parking improvements
- Play area for the Boys & Girls Club
- McClelland Trailhead promenade
- Central gathering plaza
- Park ranger station and restrooms
- Nature-based play area
- Beginner skate zone
- Full-size basketball court
Next Steps
Now, the design team will begin detailed design work to make the concept design a reality. Professionals will analyze site details, materials, furnishings, plantings and irrigation, architecture for the new ranger/maintenance/restroom buildings, and more. The construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027.