“The project was literally mired in the mud due to all the moisture but things have dried out and it is full steam ahead,” said Pete Wolfley, city communications manager.

Concrete work continues to progress on the parking lot, and the first section of path was poured in recent days. Above-grade plumbing in the restroom area is underway and the door frames and walls are beginning to take shape. The block was delivered and the mason should be on site soon, Wolfley said.

On Tuesday, Mayor Dave Young and the City Council toured the site to see how the project was progressing and ask any questions they may have to the project staff. The current target date for opening the park is Halloween, Oct. 31.

“We are hoping to scare residents with how incredible this park is going to be,” Wolfley said. The Hillcrest Park construction has long been a focus of council member Terry Peterson, who is not seeking re-election this year.

Courtesy Orem City

“The park is starting to take shape, and seeing it in person gives a much different perspective than seeing it on paper” said Ryan Clark, assistant city manager. “The project is on schedule for completion in late fall. Mass grading for the park is completed. Concrete work on walking paths and parking areas is progressing nicely. Foundations for the splash pad structures are partially completed. The interior of the building is making progress with plumbing and electrical installation ongoing.”

The park is replacing a portion of the property that held the Hillcrest Elementary School and a smaller city park. A new, seismically-upgraded portion of the school including the gym, professional kitchen, bathrooms and a few other rooms remain and will become a community center for the neighborhood.

Orem began considering what they would do with the property after city leaders purchased it from Alpine School District in 2019.

With some federal funding designated for public uses, Orem was able to start on a journey in 2020 to build one of the most upscale city parks in the county with more than nine acres of amenities and walking paths as a drawing card for residents.

To help build the park, Orem is using some of the $16 million it received from the American Rescue Plan Act, given to municipalities and other organizations to improve and help areas that may have been affected by COVID-19.

Courtesy Orem city