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Salt Lake City Reopens Liberty Park’s Seven Canyons Site as Dry ‘Refuge’ Public Art

City leaders chose a dry design to reduce costs and water use after the fountain was shut off for health concerns.

Overview

  • The Seven Canyons Refuge opened with a dedication that included Indigenous blessings and hands-on demonstrations of its interactive features.
  • The installation uses light, sound and touch to interpret the Bonneville Basin’s water systems, First Peoples’ histories, native species and stewardship themes.
  • Original artist Stephen Goldsmith worked with landscape firm ArcSitio, the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Department of Public Lands on the redesign.
  • Funding came from a 2020 Capital Improvement Program allocation of about $857,968, replacing repairs officials said would cost millions and consume tens of thousands of gallons daily.
  • New elements include shishi-odoshi water feeders, dry creek channels that culminate in a Great Salt Lake spiral, bronze perches with QR-linked native bird calls and granite tiles with Indigenous imagery.