Utah Senate honors Lagoon on its 120th anniversary with formal citation

The Utah State Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 15 and adopted a citation commemorating Lagoon amusement park’s 120th year of operation.

Senator Kilpak introduced the citation, recounting Lagoon’s history and ownership changes: “This year, we’ll commemorate the hundred and twentieth year of operation for Lagoon,” he said, noting the park opened in 1886 as Lake Park, later moved inland after early flooding, and was managed by the Bamberger and Fried families. Kilpak told the Senate Lagoon has become both a physical and cultural icon of the state and praised its contributions to the community, including scholarships and partnerships with education foundations.

Senator Bell, speaking as a former Farmington mayor, called Lagoon “the leading corporate citizen of Farmington,” and described the park’s economic and civic contributions: “They bring hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people into our community, every year,” Bell said. Other senators shared personal recollections of Lagoon’s attractions, employment of youth, and public events, highlighting its role in local tourism and community life.

The citation noted figures cited on the floor about Lagoon’s philanthropic and workforce contributions, including scholarship and education‑foundation giving (the presenter cited a running total of roughly $515,070 and reported 750 employees had received scholarships). The citation and the Senate’s unanimous recognition were procedural and ceremonial; no policy action or funding followed from the floor recognition.

The Committee of the Whole dissolved after remarks and the Senate returned to its regular calendar.