Parks, trails and open space general obligation bond
Second issuance of up to $51 million from the $85 million parks bond voters approved in 2022. The council authorized it Feb. 17 on a 6-1 vote.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Public project
- Location
- Citywide, including Glendale Park
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City
Every hearing and vote
August 16, 2022 · City Council
Parks, trails and open space general obligation bond election (Resolution 24 of 2022)
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted a resolution providing for a local special bond election on the issuance of $80 million in general obligation bonds for city parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities. A public hearing was set for Oct. 11 and a public meeting for Oct. 18. The motion also encouraged the Administration to seek outside funding from private and community partners for any park or facility project receiving bond money. Voters would decide whether to approve the bonds.
September 6, 2022 · City Council
General obligation bond election for parks, trails and open space
Pending
Council to consider a special bond election resolution for the proposed $85 million parks bond and an election administration agreement with Salt Lake County.
October 11, 2022 · City Council
General obligation bond for parks, trails and open space (public hearing)
No action · 5-0
The Council heard public comment on the potential issuance of $85 million in general obligation bonds, to be decided by voters at a special election on Nov. 8, 2022. Staff said a further public meeting would be Oct. 18 and noted the project list at slcparksbond.com. One speaker raised homelessness and park cleanliness and offered a proposal for an authorized campground. A bond opponent said there were over 100 tax and fee increases this year, that project lists could change, and that Glendale Park and the Fleet Block lacked money. A Sugar House Park board member supported the bond. A third speaker asked about the Inland Port agreement and was directed to general comment on Oct. 18. The recorder said no arguments against the bond were submitted by a registered voter by the statutory deadline. The Council closed the hearing.
April 11, 2023 · City Council work session
First issuance of general obligation bond for parks, trails and open space
Discussed
Voters authorized an $85 million bond in November 2022. Staff proposed a first issuance of $24.66 million, 29% of the total, with the rest in two or three later issuances repaid over 20 years from a dedicated property tax that ends when the debt is paid. The first tranche funds $19.6 million of projects plus $5.06 million in contingency, art, and three full-time positions. All Council Members present supported the proposal in a straw poll and gave staff authority to move forward.
- Other projects: Allen Park $850,000; Fleet Block public space $600,000; Fairmont Park $500,000; Jordan River corridor $600,000; reimagined neighborhood parks, trails or open space $1,050,000
- Contingency $3,332,000; art $294,000; staff $1,434,000
June 6, 2023 · City Council work session
General obligation bond for parks, trails and open space, Series 2023
Discussed
Staff briefed the first issuance of the bond that voters authorized at $85 million in November 2022. The par amount is $24,855,000 with an interest rate not to exceed 6% and an expected closing of August 23, 2023; it funds projects, three positions, contingency and public art.
June 13, 2023 · City Council
General obligation bond for parks, trails and open space, Series 2023
Approved · 7-0
The Council adopted Resolution 17 of 2023 authorizing up to $25.5 million in federally taxable general obligation bonds, the first issuance of the $85 million voters approved in November 2022.
May 13, 2025 · City Council work session
Parks, Trails and Open Space general obligation bond: first issuance update, second issuance request
Discussed
Staff updated the Council on projects from the 2022 series and presented the request for a second issuance (Series 2025) of nearly $35 million for projects including the next stage of Glendale Park, Allen Park, the Jordan River corridor and smaller district projects, plus inflation updates to bond-funded salaries. Voters authorized up to $85 million in 2022. Construction is contracted out rather than done by city staff. Council Member Young asked for new progress graphics and priority for safety requests; Council Member Puy asked for a consolidated list of Council questions.
November 25, 2025 · City Council work session
Parks, trails and open space general obligation bond: second issuance
Discussed · 6-1
The Council reviewed first-issuance projects and the administration's request to approve a second issuance (Series 2026), which would fund $26 million to $49 million of new projects including Glendale Park construction. Voters authorized up to $85 million in 2022. Mayor Mendenhall cited public support and little or no property tax increase. Staff presented three funding scenarios. In a straw poll, Council Members Young, Mano, Puy, Wharton, Dugan and Lopez Chavez supported scenario three, a $49,336,400 tranche, and Council Member Petro voted against. Council Member Puy proposed a legislative intent for a shovel-ready report and a way to notify the Council of timeline or scope changes; Council Member Lopez Chavez proposed one reviewing rescoping of funds to scenario three. Council Member Petro asked for wage data on cost-of-living effects.
February 3, 2026 · City Council work session
Second issuance of general obligation bond for parks, trails and open space
Discussed
Marina Scott and Mary Beth Thompson presented the second issuance, of up to $51 million, of the parks, trails and open space bond that voters authorized at no more than $85 million in November 2022. Members and staff discussed the timeline and cost to taxpayers beginning with property tax bills in November 2026, the cost of additional tranches, communicating that the tax was voter approved, and the city's financial position and favorable interest rate outlook. Council Member Victoria Petro asked for projected costs on property tax bills, which staff said would follow the bond sale. Council Member Alejandro Puy asked for more outreach to park users. Council Member Sarah Young arrived during this item.
February 17, 2026 · City Council
Second issuance of general obligation parks bond
Approved · 6-1
The council adopted Resolution 5 of 2026 authorizing up to $51 million in federally taxable general obligation bonds, Series 2026, for parks, trails and open space.