“Arts and Sciences in the Wild”: New plans for Allen Park released

SALT LAKE CITY — The final draft of Salt Lake City’s plans for Allen Park are now out and open for public comment. The city said the park will incorporate art, history, and the chance to engage with nature in the middle of an urban region.

This plan has been in the works for the last year and a half.

The theme of the park will be “Arts and Sciences in the Wild.” It will feature at least three major art installments and will preserve many of the historical structures on the grounds.

Kat Andra, Salt Lake City’s public lands planner, said five structures will be removed in the current plan.

“The remaining structures are to be converted into artist/scientist in residence program. So the goal for those is to be short-term leases for community organizations, science education groups and artists.”

Andra said they’re also planning to convert some of the historical buildings on the grounds, including Allen Lodge.

“That is currently proposed to be a historic museum space to tell the story of Allen Park and talk a little about the history, as well as some park offices and a community gathering conference area.”

Emigration Creek runs through Allen Park, so a considerable amount of their efforts will focus on expanding creek access.

The public comment period is open for the next couple of weeks, and after that, any changes will be finalized. It’s likely that construction won’t get underway until 2026.

To view and comment on the plan, visit Salt Lake City Public Lands’ website.

Related: Exploring Allen Park’s “Hobbitville” legend and its long history