Open House and Public Workshop
September 22, 2015 - Draper City Hall Council Chambers
Join one of the one-hour workshops: 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 pm
Background. The Traverse Mountain Range, including the Corner Canyon area, is more than a scenic backdrop to Draper City. Generations of citizens of southern Salt Lake County and northern Utah County have depended on wild lands for watershed, livestock grazing, mining and timber resources. Thanks to the foresight of civic leaders and our community’s support, the city has purchased more than 4,600 acres as open space on the Traverse Mountains, starting with Corner Canyon in 2005 and undeveloped portions of the SunCrest development in 2012. Miles of trails have been built in Corner Canyon, but there is no plan explaining how to manage the larger Traverse Mountains… yet.
Why is a plan needed? The existing plan has been in place for ten years, and now that the city has purchased more than 2000+ acres in the SunCrest area, it is time for a new open space plan.
“This year we are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of saving Corner Canyon from development. The Corner Canyon Regional Park Master Plan has guided City projects in Corner Canyon with great success for a decade. Now it is time to update the plan to address all of the city’s new open spaces throughout the Traverse Mountains,” says Brad Jensen, Engineer Projects Manager.
What areas are being addressed? The resulting plan will establish a vision for city lands on the Traverse Mountain Range and in Corner Canyon and preserve suitable locations for recreation and conservation activities. It will identify which trails and trailheads should be built or relocated, how to minimize conflicts among the Canyon’s many users, and how to best conserve the natural qualities we all love.
What will the plan contain? The resulting plan - expected in early 2016 - will include ways to pay for it all or maybe potential funding options for additional new facilities and proper management of the lands for years to come.
“We are doing our best to manage 4,000 acres of land on the same budget that we had for 1,000 acres. Obviously some priorities have not and will not be accomplished without a more complete and reliable funding mechanism. The process will be transparent and open to anyone interested in creating an open space legacy for the Traverse Mountains.”
Who is involved? How do I get involved? The city has organized a citizen steering committee who is preparing to host a Public Workshop on September 22, at Draper City Hall. One-hour workshops will be held at 5, 6, and 7 pm. Everyone - equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, nature lovers - are invited to join in the dialogue.
“Corner Canyon is one-of-a-kind, and we are learning more about the exceptional resources and opportunities that exist for recreation and conservation on city open space throughout the Traverse Mountains. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sensitively plan for the next 10 years. We are looking forward to continue hearing from all recreationists, neighbors, and city residents and business owners about how to expand Corner Canyon’s legacy to the rest of the Traverse Mountains.”
www.draper.ut.us/openspace