A collaborative vision to reconnect communities, enhance ecology, and create a vibrant urban river park.
Salt Lake County, UT
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation
The Jordan River Regional Park Plan—renamed the Central Jordan River Reconnect—envisions the transformation of a 7-mile stretch of the Jordan River into a vibrant, multi-city park that spans five municipalities and connects three creeks. This effort integrates environmental restoration, nature-based recreation, and community engagement to establish a shared vision for the river’s future.
The study area highlights the challenges of a heavily urbanized river corridor. Public perceptions often frame the river as unsafe and polluted, and 50-95% of its historic floodplain has been disconnected due to urban development. However, the river also offers immense potential as a regional amenity, with existing trails, parks, and natural assets forming the foundation for a reimagined future. Through site analysis and inclusive public engagement, the project team aims to create a unified vision that blends active and passive recreation with an ecologically rich riparian landscape.
Engagement Process:
The planning process centers on building relationships with communities along the river. A multi-pronged engagement strategy has included:
Stakeholder collaboration remains a critical focus, ensuring the plan reflects the aspirations of residents, community leaders, and local officials.
Next Steps:
In the coming phases, the plan will develop three plan alternatives, seeking feedback to refine and finalize a cohesive vision. The final plan will balance active recreation, passive spaces, and ecological restoration, paving the way for a healthier, more inclusive urban river corridor.
To follow the project’s progress, visit the project website at www.centraljordanreconnect.com.
SERVICES
Planning
Public Engagement
Landscape Architecture
COLLABORATORS
Geomorphology + Hydrology: Rio ASE
Ecology + Permitting: EcosystemSciences
Land Use + Zoning: Psomas
Operations: PROS Consulting
Civil: Horrocks Engineers
Financing: Zions Public Finance
Community engagement events, including pop-ups, workshops, and on-site observations, gathered input to identify key opportunities for improved river access, multi-modal connectivity, and habitat restoration.
A group kayak tour allowed the design team, client, and stakeholders to observe the Jordan River’s hydrology, riparian zones, and ecological challenges firsthand. Insights from this immersive experience informs ideas to restore floodplain connections, enhance habitat resilience, and improve public access to the river corridor.
