Protect
Safeguarding iconic assets, investing equitably, and building a culture of stewardship.
Parks
- Installed fencing and protective features to safeguard park assets, trees, and memorial areas.
- Completed cleanups, tree rings, mulch spreading, and landscaping projects at parks citywide.
- Installed equipment at the new Backman Community Open Space.
- Restored and improved monuments such as the Donor Connect wall at Library Square, WWII monument at Liberty Park, and the Liberty Bell at Memory Grove.
- Partnered with community organizations, TreeUtah, and Friends of Groups on landscape restoration and fire prevention.
- Rehabilitated natural features, including the Liberty Park koi pond, to prevent erosion and protect water sources.
Planning and Design
- Began construction of water and fire lines at Allen Park to protect historic structures and mature trees.
- Advanced Phase 1 park improvements at Allen Park based on extensive community and technical advisory input.
- Completed the Emerald Ribbon Action Plan to guide long-term protection and restoration of the Jordan River Corridor.
- Opened the City’s first Parks Bond-funded outdoor classroom and community open space in Fairpark.
- Secured nearly $17 million in capital funding, prioritizing asset replacement and deferred maintenance.
- Drafted Public Lands’ first Asset Management Plan to guide ten years of reinvestment and protection of aging infrastructure.
Trails and Natural Lands
- Leveraged $100K in maintenance funds to secure $700K in grants for Jordan River Corridor vegetation management.
- Began large-scale riverbank clearing and restoration along the Jordan River Corridor to improve ecological health and visitor safety.
- Completed capital-funded restoration work at Allen Park and Miller Park, including historic masonry and artwork conservation.
- Launched the Foothills Steward Program, training community volunteers to lead trail work and restoration efforts.
Urban Forestry
- Relocated a mature oak tree to demonstrate alternatives to removal during development.
- Participated in Development Review Team meetings to strengthen tree preservation standards.
- Conducted more than 250 tree preservation reviews and inspections.
- Developed and launched a Sycamore Anthracnose Treatment Study to protect iconic city trees.
Golf
- Allocated Golf Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for full irrigation system replacements at Rose Park and Nibley Park golf courses, replacing systems over 60 years old and improving water efficiency.
- Repaired and resurfaced cart paths across multiple courses to protect turf, equipment, and visitor safety.
- Leveled tee box complexes to improve playability and long-term turf health.
- Completed major clubhouse repairs and upgrades, including roofs, flooring, utilities, and parking surfaces.
Cemetery
- Installed new irrigation and roadway infrastructure in the Northeast Quadrant to protect historic burial areas and improve long-term site resilience.
- Completed restoration of the Japanese hillside in partnership with the State of Utah.
- Formally established the Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery group and collaborated on volunteer events and stewardship activities.
Events
- Highlighted capital investments and restoration efforts at major parks to increase public awareness of asset protection.
- Integrated stewardship education, including BeWild messaging, into community events in partnership with Park Rangers.
- Designed event layouts to minimize turf damage and protect new landscaping and park infrastructure.
- Partnered with Friends of Groups and neighborhood organizations to elevate community stewardship of parks and waterways.
Volunteer and Stewardship
- Hosted more than 83 volunteer events, with over half focused on Westside parks and trails.
- Expanded partnerships with Friends of Groups to increase stewardship capacity.
- Launched and supported the Foothills Stewardship Program, completing more than a dozen volunteer projects.
- Integrated BeWild education into volunteer activities to reinforce a culture of care for public lands.
Park Rangers
- Achieved record patrol hours to deter vandalism, illegal activity, and misuse of public land assets.
- Removed 761 instances of vandalism and reported more than 1,000 additional cases for repair.
- Removed 9,760 hazardous materials to protect visitor safety and environmental health.
- Increased Ranger presence along the Jordan River Parkway and in Westside parks, working with SLCPD and partner teams.
- Supported stewardship through community cleanups, planting events, and volunteer projects.
- Delivered targeted education campaigns, including BeWild, B.A.R.K. Rangers, and wildlife protection messaging.
- Logged more than 7,000 enhanced conversations focused on responsible use and care of public lands.
- Updated operational standards and prioritization tools to ensure equitable protection of high-risk and high-use areas.
