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WEST VALLEY CITY — As part of the effort to create a new Jordan River Park, Salt Lake County mayors are seeking out architects, landscape designers, construction workers, engineers and city planners to help with its design.
They're calling it the "On the River's Edge ideas competition" to help "reimagine recreation, commerce, conservation and life" along the Jordan River, according to the competition's website.
“The ideas competition is a way to get the best and the brightest to step forward as we plan this unique area where the Jordan River passes through several cities in Salt Lake County,” Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said in a statement unveiling the competition Wednesday.
The competition will formally launch next March.
McAdams and other local leaders announced last month the proposed new regional park, along with a new Tracy Aviary campus in South Salt Lake, to prioritize the preservation of the Jordan River's natural habitat while creating more recreation opportunities.
Salt Lake County's parks and recreation staff have begun a master-planning process to create the new park with new programs and protections.
Designers are being challenged to submit ideas to "activate" the river and its surroundings while creating "connectivity" with communities, and increasing recreation along the river and its trails, according to the competition's website.
“Competitors should submit design ideas that protect the natural habitat, attract a variety of visitors, and include opportunities for appropriate small business models that interact with the area’s surroundings," McAdams said.
The "competition area" includes areas surrounding the river from about 3900 South to roughly state Route 201, between Redwood Road and 900 West and 700 West.
Entries, which will be judged by a panel of local officials, have the chance to win a $20,000 prize for the jury's choice, $6,000 for the people's choice, and up to six $2,500 awards for innovation.
The competition will officially launch March 13, with a May 22 deadline for entries. Winners and prizes will be announced on June 27.
For more information, visit the competition's website at www.slco.org/on-the-rivers-edge
