Madsen Park gets a makeover — and a festival

• But the park and the neighborhood are changing fast with new developments.

Catch up quick: The city closed the park for a few months starting in December 2021 after neighbors complained it had become a "safe haven" for crime.

• It reopened last year after a heavy-duty cleanup and repairs, including the removal of some fencing and a berm that neighbors said were providing cover for drug dealing and illegal camping.
• Since then, neighbors tell Axios the park has become much safer.

Flashback: The city at one point looked at moving the park altogether to a "more central" location on 900 West.

Yes, but: That proposal is almost certain to be withdrawn. A city report in August noted "tremendous" development in the surrounding neighborhood, including hundreds of new apartments under construction.

• "This type of development has only increased the need and the possibilities for activation of a previously under-utilized site as close to North Temple as possible," staffers wrote.

The big picture: Despite its past controversy, the park has secured funding for big future improvements.

• Community meetings to plan renovations will begin next year, with construction likely to start in 2026, the city's Public Lands Department spokesperson Mia McCain told Axios.

What's next: While it awaits renovation, the city will celebrate the park and the neighborhood this weekend with a free fall festival.

• Live music, artists, and vendors will be on site from noon to 7pm on Saturday.

Yes, there's beer: Red Rock Brewing will be there to sell $4 pints, city officials announced Wednesday.