Boulderscape Shapes the Sego Lily: Sculpted Shotcrete Blooms in Sugar House Park

Boulderscape Shapes the Sego Lily: Sculpted Shotcrete Blooms in Sugar House Park

Salt Lake City, UT – In the heart of Sugar House Park, something remarkable has taken root — a structure that is part engineering marvel, part sculptural masterpiece. Known as the Sego Lily, this three-petal installation is more than just a flood-control structure. It’s a living piece of public art — and Boulderscape’s role in shaping its signature elements with sculpted shotcrete showcases once again how functional infrastructure can be transformed into enduring beauty.

Construction on the Sego Lily began in fall 2017. What initially appeared to be a concrete flood-control channel has now blossomed into a dynamic landscape that combines the geological story of Utah with the legacy of its early settlers — thanks in large part to Boulderscape’s artistic and structural expertise in architectural shotcrete.

Form and Function in Full Bloom

The north wall of the structure, engineered to deflect floodwaters from Parley’s Creek detention basin, was transformed by Boulderscape’s artisans into a flowing petal. Shotcrete surfaces were expertly carved, stained, and textured to appear as natural rock formations, gently sloping into a landscaped plaza complete with seating outcroppings and native plants.

Opposite the north petal, the south wall of the Sego Lily continues the design — featuring sculptural benches, flowing walkways, and narrow paths that mimic the fluid geometry of a flower. The rocky mounds were carefully formed to resemble the unique geological textures found in Utah’s Echo Canyon, finished with aggregates that match the region’s distinct sand and pebble matrix — a hallmark of Boulderscape’s finish work.

Honoring the Land Through Craftsmanship

The third petal of the Lily is formed from a reinforced berm surrounding the park, with rows of vegetation divided by seven sculpted shotcrete “veins.” These veins evoke Utah’s agricultural history — specifically the crops planted by 19th-century pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. This integration of natural and cultural storytelling makes the Sego Lily one of Boulderscape’s most meaningful contributions to public space design.

Boulderscape’s mastery of the shotcrete process allowed the team to bring these details to life quickly and precisely — completing the structural work before the winter season and allowing for native plant installation in the spring.

A Pathway Through History

The tunnel beneath 1300 East, a key component of the Parley’s Trail pedestrian and bicycle route, was also part of Boulderscape’s scope. The south-facing tunnel wall was textured to replicate a distorted coal seam — a nod to the geological fault lines found in the region. It’s a subtle but striking feature that continues the project’s theme of blending science, history, and design through the medium of sculpted shotcrete.

With construction set to conclude in December and full landscaping coming in spring, the Sego Lily stands as a lasting tribute to both nature and narrative — and a proud addition to Boulderscape’s portfolio of visionary projects.

Ready to explore how Boulderscape can bring your vision to life? Request a quote or learn more about our client experience working with architects, engineers, and public planners nationwide.