Oct. 22, 2026
Salt Lake City's Department of Public Lands will temporarily close Madsen Park (9 N. Chicago St.) on October 26, 2026, to begin construction on a series of new amenities prioritized by residents and designed to celebrate the community this park serves. The park is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2027.
Community-driven improvements
Two rounds of community engagement helped shape the improvements planned for Madsen Park, with residents emphasizing the need for amenities that support children, dogs, and opportunities for neighbors to play, gather, and connect.
This project brings those community priorities to life, said Dustin Wiberg, senior landscape architect at the Department of Public Lands. These improvements will create more ways for people to enjoy the park and help make it a more welcoming place for the neighborhood.
Playground expansion
In June 2025, Public Lands partnered with nonprofit organization Kaboom! to build a new playground in Madsen Park. The upcoming project will build on that effort by expanding the playground and adding features to support more ways to enjoy the park.
List of amenities
Other planned improvements include:
Event infrastructure
Park lighting
Game zone (cornhole, ping pong table, chess table)
Half-court basketball
Off-leash dog play area
Water-wise plantings
Drinking fountains
Park history
Madsen Park was named for Richard Madsen, a lifelong Salt Lake City resident and successful businessman who died in 1948. Known for his dedication to his community and his commitment to improving the lives around him, Madsen generously allowed residents to build a playground on his land, which would later become Madsen Park.
Funding details
The park is funded by $1,050,000 from the voter-approved Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation Bond and $100,000 from impact fees.
Alternative park options
While the park is under construction, visitors are encouraged to visit nearby parks such as Jackson Park (481 N. Grant St.), Sherwood Park (1400 W. 400 South), Cottonwood Park (1580 W. North Star Dr.), and Pioneer Park (350 S. 300 West), which opens Nov. 13, 2026.
Tags: Construction, Madsen Park, Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Parks Trails Open Space General Obligation (GO) Bond, Public Lands Department, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Council, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall
