Salt Lake City releases final draft of Ballpark NEXT design plan
Board to review plan and hold public hearing July 8
The Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency (CRA) on Tuesday released the final draft of the Ballpark NEXT Community Design Plan, which outlines a long-term vision for transforming the former Smith’s Ballpark site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood asset that reflects the area’s history and evolving identity. It will be presented to the CRA Board for discussion and public comment at 2 pm, Tuesday, July 8. A final decision is expected in late summer.
“The Ballpark neighbors themselves made this plan possible—through survey responses, late-night meetings, and a wall of blue and yellow sticky notes,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Each detail, from spaces for small businesses to family-oriented amenities, carries their ideas and priorities. I’m deeply grateful for their thoughtful collaboration, and I’m excited for the conversations still ahead.”
The release of the Ballpark NEXT Community Design Plan follows more than a year of public engagement, including the Ballpark NEXT design competition, community workshops and surveys.
Council Member Darin Mano, who chairs the CRA Board and represents the Ballpark area, said the final draft reflects extensive neighborhood input.
“Our neighborhood has faced challenges, but it also has so much potential,” Mano said. “With this plan, we’re not just dreaming. We’re taking community-centered steps to preserve our history while welcoming new neighbors, green space, business and gathering places.”
Key features of the plan include:
- Adaptive reuse of the southwest wing of the baseball stadium as a flexible entertainment venue.
- Preservation of other stadium elements, including the “arrival gateway” at the main entrance.
- A new festival street at 1300 South and West Temple, designed for community markets, art and performances.
- New green space for the public.
- Pedestrian pathways and improved connectivity to transit.
- Year-round activation to support economic and cultural life in the neighborhood.
- Mixed-use commercial space and attainable housing options.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the final draft of the plan and share feedback at https://cra.slc.gov/ballparknext or in person at the July 8 CRA Board of Directors meeting.