Public Lands Department

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Connect

Connect: Connecting people to information, access, and experiences across Salt Lake City’s public lands


Connect


Connecting people to information, access, and experiences across Salt Lake City’s public lands.

black bench on the side of a park path

Parks

  • Improved trail surfaces, visibility, and safety along the Backman Community Open Space area of the Jordan River Trail.  
  • Assumed maintenance responsibility for additional segments of the 9 Line Trail to improve connectivity and consistency. 
  • Installed more than 100 informational signs citywide to support education, safety, and compliance. 
  • Implemented a new protocol to share information about homeless services when areas are temporarily closed. 
  • Upgraded signage and entrances at parks and partner locations, including Rose Park, Cornell, Wasatch Community Gardens, and Washington Square. 
  • Completed improvements to the 3 Creeks Trail and multiple pedestrian bridges to enhance access and safety. 
design concept of a new park

Planning and Design

  • Completed designs to improve access, shade, safety, and amenities along the Folsom Trail; construction begins in 2026. 
  • Advanced design, engagement, and fundraising for the Green Loop, including completing schematic design for the 200 East segment and initiating design for 500 West. 
  • Completed designs and permitting for accessibility and trail improvements at Miller Park, with construction planned for 2026. 
  • Awarded funding to improve walking and biking connections between schools, parks, and the Regional Athletic Complex in the Westpointe neighborhood. 

Trails and Natural Lands

• Completed four major Foothills trailheads (Victory Road, Bonneville Blvd, Popperton Park Way, and Emigration Canyon Rd.) with parking, wayfinding, regulation signage, seating, and amenities; two include restrooms, trail maps, and native gardens.


• Installed more than 100 new wayfinding signs at Foothills trail junctions.


• Added 18 welcome Stations at minor access points to guide visitors and support stewardship.


• Created a consistent, recognizable signage system to better identify Trails & Natural Lands properties.


• Redesigned the division website to improve access to information, wayfinding, and park details across natural areas.

Urban Forestry

• Published the fourth annual Tree Watering Calendar, featuring community-submitted photos and practical guidance for caring for urban trees.


• Continued the widely recognized “Keep Your Cool” campaign to engage residents in tree care.


• Partnered with TreeUtah to support community tree planting events, resulting in hundreds of new trees planted citywide.

arial view of a golf course showing both the course and the surrounding city.

Golf

  • Purchased two golf simulators at Forest Dale Golf Course to expand year-round access to golf experiences; open to the public in early 2026. 
  • Continued enhancements to the online reservation system, resulting in nearly 80% of bookings made online and improved in-person service at check-in. 
  • Added a new digital assistant to the Golf Division website to improve access to program information and simplify reservations (launching January 2026). 
graveyard with trees

Cemetery

  • Launched new online mapping and navigation tools, allowing visitors to locate loved ones’ graves and receive directions via mobile devices. 
  • Installed temporary and permanent wayfinding signage during construction to help visitors safely and easily navigate road closures. 

soccer players playing soccer on a field with city buildings and mountains in the back

Regional Athletic Complex

  • Completed feasibility analysis, preliminary design, and cost estimates for the Road to the RAC project in coordination with Transportation. 

  • Explored public–private partnership opportunities to enhance access and activation at the north end of the complex. 
a happy dog with its tongue out

Events

  • Increased attendance at community events by expanding outreach through signage, social media, newsletters, and the online events calendar. 

  • Standardized event messaging and digital materials so residents know what amenities and activities to expect before arriving. 

  • Piloted passive programming to allow residents to engage with parks on their own schedules. 
volunteers helping with a native planting session

Volunteer and Stewardship

  • Connected more than 2,400 volunteers to parks and trails through hands-on stewardship projects. 
  • Continued collaboration with Friends of Groups to support community-led care, education, and ownership of public lands. 
a park ranger reads a story to children at the park

Park Rangers

  • Delivered interpretive programs and tours that helped visitors better understand park history, wildlife, and native plants. 
  • Developed education and customer service philosophy statements to support consistent, welcoming engagement. 
  • Served as visible park ambassadors, logging over 70,000 greetings and more than 7,000 in-depth interpretive conversations. 
  • Supported community events and volunteer projects with on-site information, interpretation, and safety guidance. 
  • Conducted outreach to people experiencing homelessness, providing service information, resource connections, and transportation assistance. 
  • Expanded access and visibility through extended summer hours and structured bike patrols. 
  • Connected underrepresented youth to outdoor education through school-based programs and community events. 

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