Raging Waters demolition continues but concrete blasting on hold

SALT LAKE CITY – Raging Waters was one of the most exciting water parks in the state but crews made progress this week with the demolition of the old water park in the Glendale neighborhood of Salt Lake City.

The city will look for public input on a new regional park in the coming months. 

Blasting was supposed to begin today at the old facility at 1700 South 1200 West to break up thick concrete in the park. 

“We learned that the concrete is quite thick: in some places more than 6 feet,” said Nancy Monteith, Salt Lake City project manager for the redevelopment of the park. The city called off the blasting after community feedback. 

“So, we’ll continue with the methods that we’re using now, jackhammering, and other methods, that are a little bit slower, but slow and steady,” said Monteith. 

Much of the 17-acre Raging Waters Park has already been dismantled, while other towers remain intact. 

“We have some demolition happening right now. It’s been happening for the last few months,” the project manager said. 

The water park closed in 2018, and the abandoned facility became a magnet for mischief. As the slides and pools deteriorated, people complained to KSL-TV that the troubles had spilled over into the neighborhood. 

Monteith said the city is working on a vision plan with community members and stakeholders to share with the public in March. Consultants will come up with several options. 

“So, they are going to be developing two to three different concept plans that we will be sharing at large with the public in March,” said the project manager. 

A public event is also planned for March 16 at the Glendale Community Learning Center. 

The city has awarded $3.2 million in impact fees for the initial development of the site. But, the ultimate plan will likely require more money. A finished park would not be ready for public access until the spring of 2024. 

The project manager said this is an opportunity to remake the old Glendale water park as part of a larger attraction. It is right next to a neighborhood park, the Glendale Golf Course, and the Jordan River Trail. 

“It’s really very connected, in many ways. So, we’re really excited about this project,” Monteith said. “When you look at all of those spaces aggregated, they really are like a regional attraction.” 

The project manager said an out-of-state salvage operation is repurposing the majority of the slides, and much of the concrete will be broken up and used as road base.  

The city wants to divert as much waste as possible from the landfill.