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Salt Lake County recreation bond passing as votes trickle in

If approved, the majority of the $128 million in funds would go toward building new recreation facilities.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Kevin Koncar votes early as he drops off his ballot at the Salt Lake County Government Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Results for the Salt Lake County recreation bond measure are trickling in.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Kevin Koncar votes early as he drops off his ballot at the Salt Lake County Government Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Results for the Salt Lake County recreation bond measure are trickling in.

A Salt Lake County park near you could be getting upgrades next year if early results hold.

The Salt Lake County Council approved the issuance of up to $128 million in general obligation bonds in August, which will fund 30 recreation projects across the county, including in regional parks, trails, open spaces and other facilities if approved by voters. Early, unofficial returns as of 9:02 p.m. show the measure had 61.9% in favor to 38.1% in opposed.

Similar funding authorized in 2016 will be paid off soon. The new bonds, if approved, will replace that expiring debt. Residents wouldn’t see an increase or decrease on their tax bills, because the cost for the new bonds would be the same as the 2016 bonds — roughly $16.39 per year for the average county resident with a home worth $658,000.

If the measure passes, the majority of the funds — about $62.3 million — will go toward building new projects, including an all-abilities playground at Library Square in Salt Lake City, an athletic complex in Herriman and a recreation center in West Jordan. Nearly $36 million of the funds will go toward repairs and upgrades to current facilities, while the remaining nearly $30 million will be used to finish up final construction on existing projects, along with project contingency funding.

— This story will be updated.

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