SLC.gov

July 10, 2025

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Salt Lake City officials will reopen a section of the Jordan River Parkway Trail to the public on Friday, July 11. This stretch of trail has been closed between Cottonwood Park and 700 North since April while city teams and the Salt Lake City Police Department addressed environmental degradation and public safety concerns. 

Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands’ staff cleared overgrown vegetation and removed debris to help prevent crime, while making the area cleaner and easier to see around for residents and visitors. Cleanup efforts also included significant removal of trash and fallen trees in and around the river to make the area more welcoming for recreation and prevent debris and waste buildup.

“This project is about more than just improving a trail, it’s about restoring a space for the community,” said Kim Shelley, Director of Public Lands. “By working closely with our partners in Public Safety, we are creating a safer, more accessible environment where residents can walk, bike, and connect with nature.”

To further reinforce safety in the area following the trail’s reopening, Salt Lake City will increase security presence to enforce the City’s no camping ordinance and other public space ordinances after regular park hours. Salt Lake City Park Rangers will also increase their presence with regular, daily patrols within this section.

During the trail closure, Public Lands’ staff also completed construction of a newly designed and relocated trail segment between 500 North and 700 North. The rerouted trail now runs along the west side of the Jordan River and features a wider 14-foot asphalt surface, reducing user conflicts and enhancing safety for all trail users. This upgraded section meets federal trail standards and marks the first phase of a broader revitalization effort that will include a new playground and open space near Backman Elementary School, opening in August 2025.

Salt Lake City Police officers will continue patrolling the Jordan River Trail by bike and on foot. Officers will be looking for illegal camping violations and will connect people to services. The Utah Department of Public Safety supports enforcement and monitors criminal activity. 

“Today’s reopening of the Jordan River Trail represents our city’s commitment to public safety, environmental restoration, and community growth and activation of our open spaces,” said Salt Lake City Police Commander Andy Cluff. “We are committed to doing everything we can to keep it safe, accessible, and open to everyone.”

Efforts to improve the area along the Jordan River Trail will continue. Work is ongoing to install public safety cameras and additional lighting, as well as other actions, as part of Salt Lake City’s Public Safety Plan.

Residents who witness non-emergency illegal criminal activity are urged to call and report it to Dispatch at 801-799-3000. Please report issues like trash, vandalism, broken equipment, overgrown vegetation, and potholes via the mySLC app. If residents see an emergency, call 911.