Trails. Public Access
Cottonwood Heights master plans related to trails access….
CH PTOS Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan:
https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/742159.pdf
CH BST Bonneville Shoreline Trail Master Plan:
According to adopted master plans, Deaf Smiths and Little Willow canyons access would not be considered a “regional trailhead”, thus not warranting a parking lot. Shuttle drop off/pick up and disabled drop off/pick up/limited parking stalls can be designed into proposed access.
As the council member for D4, I oppose the building of additional parking lots for trail access. Thousands of parking stalls already exist within the foothill area of Cottonwood Heights. We have a chance to be strategic to “protect biodiversity and improve air quality” (two stated CH goals) and be careful not to induce vehicular demand, waste resources and create heat islands.
I support developing a shuttle system for peak hiking days/hours. With acquisition, building and maintanence costs for parking costs hovering at $30,000 per stall, additional parking (parking lots) are:
Financially unsustainable for municipality
Put more vehicles into residential neighborhoods adding danger and discouraging pedestrian and cycling access
Have a negative effect on air, water, soil
I support the City partnering UDOT, UTA, agencies such as CWC Central Wasatch Commission and Utah Open Lands, and surrounding cities of Sandy, Holladay and Midvale to provide circulating shuttles that have the advantage of encouraging residents of our region and beyond to leave their vehicles closer to where they live or lodge. There are ample possibilities for funding assistance through county, state and federal grants, and/or partnering with UTA and other organizations such as Utah Open Lands’ “Transit to Trails” program.
Aligning with Cottonwood Heights’ sustainability goals, we can achieve improved trail access while reducing VMT (vehicle miles travelled) and reducing the urban heat island effect which results in:
"• Improved air and water quality
• Increased energy, fuel, and water conservation
• Increased biodiversity and habitat
• Reduced infrastructure impacts
• Reduced heat from the urban heat island effect
• Reduced light and noise trespass"
The time for thoroughly studying ways in which we can manage the growing interest from the local and extended community in trail access is now.