Anticipation is building to get the new Holladay City playground at 4580 South Holladay Blvd. built and open by this summer. So much so that some residents are smashing their piggy banks to help get the playground started.

At least one family in Holladay has made it their family project. Ariana and Sophia have been saving their money for something special. They are so excited to finally have a playground in their own neighborhood so they won’t have to get a ride to play with their friends. The girls donated all of their savings at Holladay City Hall to see their dreams come true. 

This is a first time collaboration between Holladay government and residents to fund a community project. The goal is to open the playground for the Fourth of July celebration at Holladay City Hall Park.

With a goal of $250,000, collections have reached just over $180,000 in the fundraising effort that’s theme is “Support Play! Donate Today!” Many residents have stepped up to the plate to get this groundbreaking project done and done soon.

“I think, on the whole, we thought it would be more businesses, but it’s been the families and children who have contributed,” City Councilmember Pat Pignanelli said.

To show people what a playground could be an open house was held Jan. 21 to gather resident input. Posters displaying the new types of playground options surrounded the room.  Children were given red stickers and adults blue stickers to vote with their stickers on the posters for the playground equipment they found most appealing.

“I want to give a huge thank you to those from the community that gave of their time and made an effort to stop by during the open house. Their comments, ideas and suggestions were and will be so helpful as we design this much awaited playground,” open house host City Councilmember Sabrina Peterson said.

At the open house people requested a walking path for adults, safe and fun sections for small children and a zip line for teenagers.

The location next to the gazebo was chosen for the playground because there are views of the ball fields where siblings may be playing sports; it is far from adjacent homes; it is near the restrooms, and also the future walking path may start at the playground area.

Tax-deductible gifts to The Holladay City Foundation, a new 501(c)3 nonprofit organization go directly to building the playground.