Enjoy Fitts Park with summer movie series
Jul 27, 2017 12:10PM ● By Brian Shaw
People watch a movie on a hot summer night. (Heather Harvey)
After hearing how South Salt Lake residents were clamoring for a place at which they could watch a movie on a hot summer night, the city council made a decision in June to give it a try, according to Sharen Hauri, Urban Design director.
What works well for residents of neighboring Millcreek and Salt Lake City is now about to work for South Salt Lake residents as well, Hauri added. All they need to do is bring their blankets and pillows and themselves. The city will do all the rest.
With $900,000 coming into the city’s annual budget next year that is already earmarked for improvements to Fitts Park — thanks in part to a grant from Salt Lake County and another grant from the state — the go-ahead was given June 21 to start a summer movie series called Cool Summer Nights.
“Rocky Mountain Power is providing a $2,500 grant—half of which will go towards renting the movie screen at Fitts Park,” said Hauri, who added that it will cost about $1,000 of that $2,500 the power company provided to rent the screen and secure the rights to air the films.
There will be three films screened at Fitts Park. The first on Fri. July 28 will be the family classic, “The Goonies,” according to Hauri.
“We did a survey with our staff awhile back and threw a bunch of movies in there, and these are the ones they wanted to see,” said Hauri, who added that an emphasis was placed on the types of movies people would want to take their kids to when reaching their decision.
On Fri. Aug. 9, the park will air “The Sandlot,” another classic that was filmed in Utah many years ago. And then on Fri. Aug. 23, the series will conclude with the ever-popular “Guardians of the Galaxy.” All three movies will begin airing on the big screen at Fitts at exactly 8 p.m. And, the movies will end at approximately 10 p.m.
Hauri said she’s looking forward to seeing how many people come out and take advantage of all the summer movie series will have to offer.
“We’re really excited to get people into our parks, especially Fitts Park,” said Hauri. “The city has really great parks. We just want families to get out and do something and appreciate the space.”
The event is free to attend, added Hauri. The city will also provide arts activities for the kids several hours before the movie airs.
If people get hungry, Hauri said food trucks will be on hand at the park.
