NORTH SALT LAKE—It’s been a few years in the making but a remodel of Hatch Park in North Salt Lake is about to take shape with construction planned for next summer. 

“It has old facilities,” said City Manager Ken Leetham. “The playground is tired and in need of renovation.”

About three years ago, Leetham said they put together a committee of stakeholders made up of 25 people. “City Council, Planning Commission, staff, Parks, Arts and citizens to work with a designer. We’d done a survey of residents years before for their input on recreational needs.”

More recently, the city held an open house to give residents a chance to see the plans and voice their opinions. “The feedback is that people are excited for the new park,” he said. “The major element that came out loud and clear from the residents is that they want pickleball. There will be eight courts for organized or leisure play with a nice seating area.

“We’ll have a much improved playground,” said Leetham. “There will be a large area where people can enjoy the open space, walk or sit down. It will also have a pavilion – the ‘living room’ that is circular and features seating and a fire pit for people to gather.”

The park will have a concrete area where food truck night could be held, he said. “Also art festivals, bands, etc. and community gatherings. It’s all in the new proposal.”

Phase I includes a soccer field, Leetham said. “Phase II will include a baseball field adjacent to it. There will also be a community center building and some small commercial space for non residential uses such as a small restaurant, coffee shop, ice cream shop, etc.”

The design calls for a tower feature in the middle, he said. “That got mixed reviews from the residents. Some thought it was great and others thought it was a waste of money.”

Leetham said $20 million has already been bonded for the project. “We’re working with G Brown design for the landscape and Hogan Construction who will work with the park designer.”

It’s an exciting project, he said. “We’ve been talking about this for 10 years.”