Residents in Salt Lake’s Ballpark neighborhood have raised alarms about the growing number of massage parlors, prompting police to conduct undercover operations last month. These efforts uncovered unspecified violations at five out of six massage establishments.
“We’re seeing more massage businesses in the neighborhood, not less,” said Amy Hawkins, Ballpark Community Council Chair, noting she does not have evidence of crimes.
“In May 2025, SLCPD’s Special Investigations Unit detectives conducted six undercover operations in Salt Lake City’s Ballpark neighborhood in response to community concerns of potential illegal conduct occurring during massage therapy appointments,” said the department in a release. “As a result of these investigations, the SLCPD is working with the city and DOPL (state regulators) to address identified violations at five of the six locations. Due to the ongoing nature of these investigations, no specific details about the businesses can be released at this time.”
Police also acknowledged previous cases in which “some massage therapy businesses have also been connected to elements of human trafficking.”
On Main Street, massage parlors line the blocks in close proximity, while on State, one massage business faces another directly across the street.
Ballpark parlors welcome guests from dawn till dusk and beyond.
“We’ve been sort of collecting concerns from adjacent neighbors who notice businesses are open as late as they are and have the kind of traffic that they do,” Hawkins said.
During strolls through the neighborhood, Hawkins captured images of various business signs, one of which read, “Massage, New Girl.”
Authorities clarified that the “violations” associated with the Ballpark businesses do not fall under criminal activity.
On Thursday evening, the local community council convened to gather insights regarding the parlors from representatives of the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, the Salt Lake County Health Department, and law enforcement officials.
