Plans for permanent farmers market at Pioneer Park fall through

State of play: The Downtown Alliance and the city could not reach an agreement on the "construction and ownership structure," voiding the plans, per a statement from the Downtown Alliance.

• "We were excited about the conversations with the city and the possibilities," Carly Gillespie, director of Urban Food Connections of Utah, told Axios. "The [Downtown Alliance] and the city are disappointed that we couldn't manage to make it work for both sides."

Context: In 2025, the city and the Downtown Alliance signed an agreement to revitalize Pioneer Park, with plans to build a permanent structure for the market.

What's next: The completed Pioneer Park will hold a grand opening Nov. 13.

• Upgrades include a new pavilion, restrooms, a ranger office, a playground, six pickleball courts, a basketball court and a fenced dog park.

What we're watching: The popular Downtown Farmers Market will still operate at the park next summer.

• The Winter Farmers Market returns to the former Leonardo building, now called the Civic Center, Nov. 14 through April 17. It will be open each Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
• Gillespie said the Downtown Alliance is focused on finding a permanent home for the Winter Farmers Market.