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A Salt Lake City park will temporarily close after community complained about safety

Madsen Park will be closed for no longer than 60 days.

(Emily Means | KUER News) The Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office said the closure of Madsen Park is likely the first time a public park has been shut down because of safety concerns.

Concerns about drug use and dealing along with other issues have led to the upcoming closure of Madsen Park near North Temple and 1000 West.

Margie Broschinsky owns a business in the neighborhood and said she and other community members have exhausted all other options to get to this point.

“It’s not really a park at this point,” Broschinsky said. “It’s more of a safe haven for criminals.” She said she would like the park to reopen with more lighting and cleaner grounds.

Incoming Salt Lake City Council member Alejandro Puy will represent the area where Madsen is. He said he understands people’s frustration, but he also doesn’t think closing the park is a real solution.

City officials said the park will shut down starting Dec. 6 for no longer than 60 days.

To read more about this park closure, visit KUER.org.

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.