Slide Structures Temporarily Closed At Mountview Park

By Cottonwood City

Due to health and safety concerns caused by the effects of direct sunlight on children’s slides located at Mountview Park (1651 E. Fort Union Blvd.), the city council and city manager have decided that the slides and accompanying structures will not be accessible to the public until further notice. Fencing was installed around the slide structures on July 8, 2015.

The decision to close the structures did not come lightly, as the city weighed the safety of children over the wide popularity of the park, especially since the various parental warning signs in place since the park’s opening have not proven 100% effective.

The park itself will remain open as the city works to find a solution to protect children from the effects of the summer sun on the park equipment. The splash pad, tennis courts, basketball court, soccer fields, restrooms, pavilion and walking path will remain accessible to the public during the slide structure closure.

Mountview Park opened in 2012 on the site of the old Mountview Elementary School. Through an agreement with the Canyons School District, Cottonwood Heights leased the site and constructed the park, which has since received acclaim as one of the Wasatch Front’s best public parks.

The city requests patience from those who may be inconvenienced by this decision.

UPDATE: 

During a meeting on July 7, 2015, the mayor and city council discussed several options to prevent harm to children that may occur from using slides in hot weather.

They include:

• Replacing current equipment
with “tube” slides

• Covering the playground area
with a shade structure

• Replacing current dark slides
with lighter colored slides

• Using gates and barricades to
block usage during hot weather

• Replacing slides with other
equipment (pole, ladders, etc.)

• More signage and age restrictions

Any one of these options may require further cost in equipment, maintenance, or personnel oversight. The city council and staff welcome your suggestions and input on the matter.