09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 13:54
Sept. 5, 2024
Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU), in partnership with Whitaker Construction and Water Works Engineers, is pleased to announce the grand opening of new pickleball courts in Rosewood Park, marking a successful collaboration with residents in the Rose Park area.
"These pickleball courts are a prime example of how community input can directly shape the development of our public spaces," said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. "I'm so appreciative of the neighbors who patiently shared their vision and worked with us to bring it to life."
The eight new courts, located at the site of the former tennis courts just east of Guadalupe School, were developed as part of SLCDPU's recent improvements to the sanitary sewer system in the city's northeast area. The sewer collection system makes its way to SLCDPU's water reclamation facility via 679 miles of collection pipes located underground throughout Salt Lake City, including Rosewood Park.
Early in the design process, the project team determined that construction would significantly impact Rosewood Park. All SLCDPU projects include the promise to restore property to its original condition. The team acted on an opportunity to engage with the Rose Park community on the future of the recreational space.
"We're proud to have worked hand-in-hand with Rose Park residents to deliver a recreational area that meets their needs and enhances the neighborhood," said SLCDPU Director Laura Briefer. "Thanks to our partners at Whitaker Construction and Water Works Engineers, we were able to improve, rather than simply restore, Rosewood Park."
In a clear demonstration of public engagement coming full circle, residents were invited to share their preferences for the use of the newly available space. The response was overwhelming: the community expressed a strong desire for pickleball courts. Rosewood Park's proximity to Guadalupe School magnifies the positive impact of these new pickleball courts on Salt Lake City's students, some of whom attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate.
"Rosewood Park acts as an extension of our school, giving our kids a great space to play and try new things," said Richard Pater, Executive Director of Guadalupe School. "We're really excited about the new pickleball courts-they'll give our students even more chances to stay active and have fun together. Parks like this are such a big benefit, not just for our kids, but for the whole community."
The new pickleball courts are available for public use, providing a fresh and modern space for people of all ages to enjoy. This project underscores SLCDPU's commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure and enriching the communities it serves.
Tags: Guadalupe School, infrastructure, Mayor Erin Mendenhall, pickleball, public spaces, recreation, Rose Park, Rosewood Park, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, sanitary sewer system, tennis