New Vision For Smith’s Ballpark Aims To Revitalize The Community

With the Bee’s moving from Salt Lake City to South Jordan, Utahns have been wondering what will become of the Smith’s Ballpark and surrounding area.  

Well, there is finally an answer.  

After the change in Utah’s baseball league base, leaving that area up to chance instead of the community was never an option. Gaining some insight from locals and looking toward the future, planners have come up with some ideas. The area at the corner of West Temple and 1300 South is being renovated for a “community-centered destination” the SLCCRA said.  

What Is Going to Happen to the SLC Ballpark? 

Many ideas have floated in, and the Ballpark Community Design Plan is out. Locals now have a chance to check out the ideas city planners and developers have for the area.  

Where the stands are is slated to become an “iconic entertainment venue” and the fields will be multiuse, including availability for the neighborhood. Behind the stands will be Festival Street, dedicated to outdoor activities like farmers’ markets and other events, the plans said.  

There will be more streets added called the People First Streets in an effort to create easier walkways to get around the neighborhood.  

Read More Here: Don't Sleep Here! Utah's Sleeping Laws Explained

One of the parking lots is also being looked at transforming into a park, The Creek Park, to restore Salt Lake Valley’s waterways, the plan said. It would also provide a nature area in a city zone for the neighborhood.  

There will also be added housing to the neighborhood as well as the new Salt Lake City Library branch and relocated fire station on Main Street. Both of these are integral to any neighborhood.  

A public comment session will be held July 8 at 2 p.m. in room 326 at the City and County Building. There will also be a community Q&A on July 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the West side of the ballpark.