Parks, Trails, & Open Space Master Plan

Cottonwood Heights PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Acknowledgements Elected Officials Planning Team • Michael J. Peterson, Mayor • Tim Tingey, City Manager • Douglas Peterson, Council Member, District 1 • Mike Johnson, Community and Economic • Scott Bracken, Council Member, District 2 Development Director • Tali Bruce, Council Member, District 3 • Matthew Taylor, Senior Planner • Christine Mikell, Council Member, District 4 • Andrew Hulka, Senior Planner • Samantha DeSeelhorst, Associate Planner & Planning Commission Sustainability Analyst • Gabrielle Regenhardt, Assistant Planner • Christine Coutts, Chair • Melissa Blue, GIS Specialist • Jesse Allen, Vice-Chair • Ben Wheeler, Planning Intern • Craig Bevan • Michael Makris, Planning Intern • Jessica Chappell • Graig Griffin • Dan Mills • Doug Rhodes • Sue Ryser • Bob Wilde

Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee • Jennifer Follstad Shah, Chair • Sarah Ricketts, Vice-Chair • Ronna Cohen • Erin Davis • Matthew Dominesey • Melissa Fields • Greg Hilbig • Ben Hill • Bruce Jorgensen • Roger Kehr • Dave McFerren • Kristy Morrison • Greg Reid Table of Contents Acknowledgements ii Elected Officials ��ii Planning Commission ��ii Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee ��ii Planning Team ��ii

Introduction 2

Executive Summary 4

Background 6 Open Space Timeline ��6 Existing Long-Range Plans ��7 Community Snapshot ��13

Public Engagement 15 Open Houses & Public Events ��15

Recommendations 21 Vision ��21 Benefits ��24 Strategies ��25 Existing Open Space ��25 Future Open Space ��26 Existing Trails ��31 Future Trails ��32 Planning Areas ��36

Implementation 50 Open Space Acquisition ��50 Funding Strategies ��52

Appendices I Appendix A: Demographic Data ��I Appendix B: Pedestrian Connectivity ��II Appendix C: Parks Inventory ��III Appendix D: Dog Park Plan �� IV Introduction Foreword Vision Statement The quality of life in Cottonwood Heights is The Cottonwood Heights Open Space Master intrinsically bound to its history, location, and Plan envisions the city as a healthy and active beauty. The “City Between the Canyons” built on community that enjoys the natural and urban the bench at the base of the Twin Peaks of the outdoor world while improving environmental Wasatch Range with its canyons access, striking and physical health and at the same time being views, parks, and open spaces are essential to environmentally and fiscally responsible. the character of our city. That character is why Execution of the plan is a part of achieving the people come to Cottonwood Heights, stay in City’s sustainability goals, including: Cottonwood Heights, and return to Cottonwood Heights. That is why it is so important for us • Improved air and water quality; to plan and invest smartly to make sure that • Increased energy, fuel, and water character is never lost as Cottonwood Heights conservation; continues to thrive and grow. Great cities have • Increased biodiversity and habitat; progressive open space plans, and thanks to • Reduced infrastructure impacts; the generous support of the City Council and • Reduced heat from the urban heat island the City Staff, Cottonwood Heights now joins effect; and those ranks. It charts a course for ensuring that • Reduced light and noise trespass. open space, parks, trails and our urban forest continues to enhance the environmental, social, Plan Goals and economic well-being of our city. The projected outcomes of this plan are:

–Mike Peterson, Mayor • Consolidate goals and policies for parks, open space, trails, and an urban forest into one cohesive plan. • Create document that aids in the acquisition of passive open space areas for conservation and preservation. • Coordinate open space and natural trails with parks, recreational facilities, area neighborhoods and the built environment. • Incorporate the collected information into goals and implementation strategies to guide the preservation of open space and improve the City’s natural trail system.

2 | Introduction Cottonwood Heights Legal Authority of the Plan amendment that it considers appropriate.” (see Municipalities are required to prepare a General UCA 10-9a-404) Plan for the City that the Planning Commission recommends to the City Council for approval. This Parks, Open Space, Trails and Urban The Planning Commission is to recommend Forest Master Plan serves as a replacement land use elements in that plan that designate to the Open Space and Parks element of the “the proposed extent, general distribution, and General Plan of Cottonwood Heights. This plan location of land for... recreation, open space, is an advisory guide for land use decisions (see and other categories of public and private uses UCA 10-9a-405). of land” as well as other land uses. Additionally, general plans are required to provide for a “After the City Council has adopted a general transportation element that includes “active plan, no street, park, or other public way, ground, transportation facilities and other modes of place, or space, no publicly owned building or transportation as the planning commission structure, and no public utility, whether publicly considers appropriate.” (see UCA 10-9a-403) or privately owned, may be constructed or authorized until and unless it conforms to the “The City Council may adopt, reject, or make current general plan.” (see UCA 10-9a-406) any revisions to the proposed general plan or

Open Space Master Plan Introduction | 3 Executive Summary

The Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan city and should be preserved to the extent is an addendum to the Cottonwood Heights possible for wildlife habitat and recreation. General Plan. It is intended to be an advisory guide to provide recommendations for future Future Trails Summary: land use decisions in Cottonwood Heights. This Opportunities for future natural and urban plan does not approve any specific projects for trails have been proposed throughout the city. new parks, trails, or open space preservation. Natural trails are typically unpaved with minimal Individual projects will be considered as future improvements, while urban trails generally opportunities arise. The recommendations in this include more formal walkways paved for use plan were informed by existing long-range plans by walkers, families with strollers, cyclists, and and public comments from recent City open people in wheelchairs. The new trail proposals houses and surveys. include:

Existing Parks, Trails, & Open Space • Little Cottonwood Trail Cottonwood Heights residents love their parks, • Cottonwood Heights (I-215) Trail trails, and open space and want to see the • Cottonwood Heights Loop existing inventory maintained and improved. • East Jordan Canal Trail Residents want new amenities to be considered • Fort Union Cycle Track as existing parks are upgraded or as new parks • Wasatch Boulevard Trail are built. Some of the amenities residents would • Bonneville Shoreline Trail like to see include: an off-leash dog park, a • Enchanted Valley Trail. mountain bike pump track, a frisbee golf course, more pickleball courts, a stage for events and Planning Areas music, and an all-abilities park. The plan includes new planning areas as a way to help analyze the needs of neighborhoods Future Parks, Trails, & Open Space throughout the city. The areas were created as New parks, trails, and open space will be a way to look at linking neighborhoods around necessary to meet future demand as the city activity areas. continues to grow at a rapid pace. Implementation Future Open Space Summary: The Implementation section of the plan includes • Future redevelopment of commercial areas information on how the recommendations of this in the city (along Fort Union Blvd., at the plan can be prioritized and funded in the future. Old Mill, and at the Gravel Pit) should The implementation methods recommended are: be designed in a way that incorporates pedestrian walkways, public plazas, and • City General Fund greenspace. • Impact Fees • New parks are planned at the Canyon Centre • Bonds development and the Ferguson Canyon • Grants & Programs Overflow parking area. • Private Donations • The foothills east of Wasatch Boulevard • Development & Redevelopment are considered the scenic backdrop of the

4 | Executive Summary Cottonwood Heights Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space Map (Final Map to be updated after public comment)

Open Space Master Plan Executive Summary | 5 Background Open Space Timeline Cottonwood Heights should be proud of the many Parks, Open Space, Trails and Forest achievements made in the area. Achievements include:

• 1906: Wasatch National Forest established • 2019: Wasatch Boulevard Master Plan • 1960: Willow Creek Country Club established adopted • 1967: Cottonwood Heights Parks and • 2019: Dark Sky ordinance adopted Recreation Service Area established • 2020: East Jordan Canal Trail, Phase 1 built • 1971: First phase of the Cottonwood Heights • 2020: 15 Trees for 15 Years. Trees Recreation Center constructed planted at Mountview Park and City Hall to • 1978: Lone Peak Wilderness Area commemorate the City’s 15th anniversary established • 2020: Utah Open Lands’ campaign to • 1984: Mount Olympus Wilderness Area preserve 27 acres of open space at the established mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon • 1984: Twin Peaks Wilderness Area • 2020: Trees and Park Strip ordinance established adopted • 1997: Old Mill Golf Course built • 2020: Bonneville Shoreline Trail Access • 2005: Sensitive Lands Ordinance adopted Master Plan adopted • 2005: Established Safe Routes to School Plan • 2005: Established Trip Hazard Plan • 2006: City Entry monuments constructed • 2008: Acquired open space funding to prevent Wasatch Office from developing the east side of Wasatch Boulevard and preserved it as open space • 2009: Ferguson Canyon Trailhead built • 2010: City acquires Golden Hills Park from Salt Lake County • 2010: Old Mill Park Bridge constructed and other improvements made • 2012: Mountview Park built • 2012: Big Cottonwood Multi-Use Trail built • 2014: Expanded Brighton/Butler Middle fields and tennis courts • 2016: Bike and Trails Master Plan adopted • 2017: Fort Union Corridor Plan adopted • 2018: Required bike path construction in new developments • 2018: Knudsen Park (Holladay City) built • 2019: 30 Trees added to Mountview Park

6 | Background Cottonwood Heights Existing Long-Range Plans Existing city, county, and regional long-range plans provide a strong foundation of policies and recommendations related to the goals of this plan. One of the objectives of this plan is to consolidate existing and proposed open space goals and recommendations into one cohesive plan.

Cottonwood Heights General Plan Key Elements: (2005) • Preserve and protect natural open spaces and view corridors • Maintain high quality parks and recreation facilities and programs • Provide equally distributed parks and open space amenities throughout the City • Develop a network of urban trails that provides alternative transportation opportunities • Develop safe pedestrian routes to schools and other facilities • Collaborate with other agencies to develop solutions to trails on state highways • Minimize risks to life and property associated with flooding, slope stability, seismic activity, unstable soil, and wildfire • Protect environmental resources such as water quality, wildlife habitat, scenic quality, hillsides, ridgelines, vegetation, and wetlands

Cottonwood Heights incorporated as a city on January 14, 2005. The General Plan was written and adopted shortly thereafter, following collaboration from the Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, staff, and planning consultants. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive guide for development in Cottonwood Heights. The General Plan illustrates a common vision for residents, businesses, property owners, city staff, and officials in Cottonwood Heights. It provides guidance on decisions relating to transportation, land uses, socioeconomics, annexation, parks and open space, urban trails, and the natural environment.

Open Space Master Plan Background | 7 Salt Lake County Natural Areas Plan Master Plan (2008) (2007)

Salt Lake County aims to preserve, restore, and The 2008 Cottonwood Heights Parks, Trails, enhance natural areas within their jurisdiction. Open Space Master Plan was prepared in Natural areas offer multiple community benefits collaboration with GSBS Architects. This ranging from aesthetics to wildlife habitat to low- document, called for by the 2005 General impact recreation opportunities. These benefits Plan, expresses the essential nature of open are increasingly important as communities space and recreational facilities to the overall become continually more concerned with the social and economic wellbeing of a community. preservation of open-space and park lands, It provides definitions, service standards, an which are jeopardized by rapid development. existing conditions inventory, and recommended The Salt Lake County Natural Areas Plan is policies and actions relating to parks, trails, and meant to serve as a guide for the effective open space within the city. management of natural areas by establishing standards for the definition and classification of Key Elements: natural areas, the maintenance of natural areas, • Circa 2008, Cottonwood Heights is deficient and the rehabilitation of degraded natural areas. by 119.79 acres of neighborhood and community parks Key Elements: • Circa 2008, Cottonwood Heights is deficient • Cottonwood Heights contains Bigtooth by 109.95 acres of regional parks land Maple-Gambel Oak Woodlands, Alpine and • The close proximity to canyon areas and Subalpine Areas, Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, private recreation properties helps mitigate and Invasive Plant Communities some of these deficiencies, but they should • The biota within these areas should be still be addressed considered in planning for the preservation of • Development of unimproved public lands natural areas should be the first priority in providing more • Specific management guidelines, including amenities those for weed management, erosion control, • Procurement of privately owned property and revegetation are outlined should also be considered in adding needed acreage Cottonwood Heights Open Space

8 | Background Cottonwood Heights Salt Lake County Parks and Rec Salt Lake County East West Facilities Master Plan (2015) Recreational Trails Master Plan (2015)

The SLCO Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan is a guiding document for developing parks, trails, open space, and Salt Lake County recognizes the importance of recreation facilities within Salt Lake County. With planning and developing regional trails in order unprecedented growth, the demand for quality to provide critical connections and recreation recreation services is constantly increasing. The opportunities. This plan outlines opportunities document is a culmination of input from special between both developed and undeveloped Salt interest groups, residents, municipalities, NRPA, Lake County areas in order to tie together a staff, and elected officials. Its goal is to leverage coordinated system of east west trails across partnerships and collaboration to provide a various jurisdictions and physical conditions. greater diversity of services to a greater number In addition to identifying connections between of constituents, whether parks, trails, recreation trails, the plan promotes connections to parks facilities, or programs. and open spaces, key destinations, and transit amenities. Key Elements: • The amenities most important to SLCO Key Elements: households include trails for walking, • This plan outlines several trail corridors which running, and biking; natural open space involve Cottonwood Heights. These corridors areas; unprogrammed lawn areas; children’s include: playgrounds; group pavilion areas; and • Corridor C – Big Cottonwood Canyon to indoor swimming pools Magna & West Bench • Available funding should be allocated toward • Corridor D – Little Cottonwood Canyon to maintenance of existing amenities, as well as Copperton development of new amenities • Corridor E – Little Cottonwood Canyon to • 75% of survey respondents feel that park Midas Creek & Rose Canyon and recreation facilities make a community a • As trail corridor development in Cottonwood better place to live Heights continues, these alignments, as • Development standards outline which well as the preferred standards for trail services should be provided, and at what materials, trailheads, wayfinding, lighting, frequency. These standards should be used site furnishings, and maintenance should be as guidelines and adjusted based on specific considered. circumstances.

Open Space Master Plan Background | 9 Mountain Accord (2015) Wasatch Choice 2050 (2016)

On October 27, 2016, the Wasatch Front More than 20 organizations representing the Regional Council adopted the Wasatch Choice State of Utah, Cities, Counties, Nonprofits, Ski 2050 goals. These goals are the result of input Resorts, and other groups signed an agreement from cities, counties, transportation partners, on July 13, 2015 called The Mountain Accord businesses, and community organizations along Charter. Generally, the purpose of the charter the Wasatch Front. is to provide solutions to the pressing issues facing the Central Wasatch mountain range. Key Elements: The stated goals of the charter are to conserve, • There are several goals included in Wasatch protect, and restore the natural ecosystem; Choice 2050 which relate to Parks, Trails, encourage high levels of recreational use and Open Space, including: at nodes with convenient access; to provide • Livable and healthy communities a sustainable, safe, efficient, multi-modal • Manageable and reliable traffic conditions transportation system; and to promote economic • Quality transportation choices prosperity. • Safe, user friendly streets • Clean air Key Elements: • Sustainable environment • Cycling and pedestrian environments in Big • Ample parks, open space, and and Little Cottonwood Canyons needs to recreational opportunities be improved in order to encourage active • Strategies to achieve these, and the other transportation Wasatch Choice 2050 goals, include: • A trail network must be developed that • Provide transportation choices, including connects residents and communities transit access and bicycle facilities with recreation nodes and future transit • Support housing options stations • Preserve open space, providing • There should be a balance in the type of unparalleled access to the outdoor, which trails provided, including those for hikers, is key to our quality of life and competitive bikers, skiers, and climbers advantage • To avoid conflict between user groups, • Link economic development with mitigation efforts like trail etiquette transportation and housing decisions, signage should be incorporated. thinking about the interplay between them and ultimately the outcomes we want to achieve

10 | Background Cottonwood Heights Cottonwood Heights Bicycle & Trails Cottonwood Heights Fort Union Master Plan (2016) Boulevard Master Plan (2017)

The Bicycle and Trails Master Plan proposes Fort Union Boulevard is a major corridor in strategies to create a cohesive and functional Cottonwood Heights, serving as a gateway to network of trails and bicycle lanes throughout the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, as well Cottonwood Heights. Despite a growing as providing connection to the rest of the Salt employment base, Cottonwood Heights is still Lake Valley. The Fort Union Boulevard Master largely a suburban commuter city which was built Plan provides a vision for the future development with a focus on convenient driving. The Bicycle of this corridor, synchronized by residents, and Trails Master Plan offers suggestions for businesses, and officials, with the common goal retrofitting the auto centricity of the City to of retrofitting this area as a “Main Street.” This include active transportation infrastructure, as ambitious goal is also identified in the 2005 well as safe multi-modal transportation, human- General Plan and requires several stages for scale activity, and recreation opportunities. implementation, the culmination of which will result in a revitalized, place-based Main Street Key Elements: corridor. • Promote healthy lifestyles through bicycle and pedestrian travel options Key Elements: • Make bicycle and pedestrian travel a viable • Prioritize multi-modal transportation through option with the City, and between Cottonwood safe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, Heights and its surrounding communities including dedicated bike lanes • Promote Cottonwood Heights as an outdoor • Create a walkable environment which recreation destination encourages pedestrian presence • Focus on bicycle lanes and trails as catalysts • Encourage a mix of neighborhood for economic development destinations that patrons can walk or cycle to • Improve street connectivity, pedestrian crossings, and trail connections • Intersperse landscaping, pocket parks, linear parks, plazas, and other urban green space to add character and function to the area

Open Space Master Plan Background | 11 Cottonwood Heights Wasatch Key Elements: Boulevard Master Plan (2019) • Preserve and enhance the scenic and natural qualities along the corridor • Create a safe and comfortable environment for cyclists and pedestrians • Enhance recreation opportunities along the corridor • Incorporate native landscaping and urban greenspace within corridor development • Connect existing and future amenities through walkable paths, trails, and crossings

The Wasatch Boulevard Master Plan provides guidelines for the future evolution of Wasatch Boulevard and the communities it serves, with a focus on Cottonwood Heights. The plan addresses transportation, land use, and economics of the Boulevard corridor from Interstate 215 to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. A long-range vision for the corridor, as well as strategies to achieve this vision, were developed using values, priorities, current conditions, and anticipated future trends.

12 | Background Cottonwood Heights Community Snapshot Population The community snapshot provides an overview Current Population of important community parameters, including: The US Census bureaus has estimated the 2018 population of Cottonwood Heights and Salt Lake • Population County as follows: • Age Distribution • Minority Populations • Cottonwood Heights: 34,170 • Household Income • Salt Lake County: 1,152,633 • People with a Disability Population Projections It is important to understand the percentage of Wasatch Front Regional Council has used people who may have limited access to open their traffic analysis zone method to produce a space within the community. Studying the map population projection for Cottonwood Heights of population distribution by race, ethnicity, and City that takes into account an estimated number income can inform a culturally sensitive ideation of developable acres for each zone. Although of recommendations. The following pages the projections start with a lower estimated provide a summary of demographic information population than the census data, it helps to relative to the preparation of the Open Space demonstrate population growth trends to be Plan. It is also important to understand the considered for long-range planning. For instance, percentage of people who are isolated within the this model projects approximately 10,000 new community. Seniors and children are often more residents by 2050, mostly in redeveloped gravel isolated than the general population realizes. pit areas:

Having a greater understanding of the larger • Projected Population, 2020: 32,707 community helps ensure that the open space • Projected Population, 2030: 32,488 recommendations respond directly to community • Projected Population, 2040: 34,397 identified needs. Additional demographic data is • Projected Population, 2050: 41,839 included in Appendix A.

Open Space Master Plan Existing Conditions | 13 Age Distribution Minority Populations Different age groups have different needs and 9.6% of Cottonwood Heights residents identify use patterns for open space that should be wholly or partially non-white. Another 5.9% considered when planning for the future. For identify as Hispanic. Considering this data example, school age children are typically in together, nearly 15% of the community identifies school during the day while retirees might make with a minority background. Efforts should be use of parks during that time. made to ensure that future open space amenities are accessible to residents of all racial and Cottonwood Heights City is on par with Salt ethnic backgrounds. Lake County in terms of 20 - 65-year-old adults. However, data shows a higher population of Household Income seniors and lower population of children in Areas of the city with lower household incomes Cottonwood Heights when compared to the could benefit from increased access to open County. While children remain a significant space amenities. Populations with lower income portion of the community that are generally levels may have less access to private open unable to drive to facilities, there should be a space. Areas with relatively lower incomes are moderately increased emphasis on planning sometimes higher density neighborhoods with for elderly needs. Planning to increase access less yard space. Improvements should be made for both children and senior citizens will be an to increase access and connectivity to parks, important component of this plan. trails, and open space for less advantaged communities.

People with a Disability An important equity consideration in planning for park and open space facilities is providing access and accommodations for persons of all abilities. Census data shows that some areas of the city are estimated to have up to 9% of the population under 18 with a disability and some areas may have up to 54% of the population over 65 with a disability. The needs of this community should be considered when making improvements to the City’s parks.

14 | Existing Conditions Cottonwood Heights Public Engagement The Open Space Master Plan was developed with the input and direction of Cottonwood Heights residents, committees, and commissions. Community involvement helped to establish the priorities used to create the goals and strategies recommended in this plan. Most residents felt that open space and the recreation opportunities it offers is a key priority to focus on in Cottonwood Heights and those who participated appreciated the opportunity to give feedback in the formation of this Plan. The forms of public outreach used in this plan were:

• Community surveys • Open houses and public events • Coordination with Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee • Public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council

Open Houses & Public Events • Sidewalks on Wasatch Butlerville Days 2017 • Develop Bonneville Shoreline Trail City staff set up a booth to take comments • Awesome park (Crestwood Park) from the public at the 2017 Butlerville Days • Safety lights for students! Some kid is gonna celebration. The following comments were made die! (Bella Vista Elementary) by residents on a map of the city: • Restore and preserve this land when the lease is up (Gravel Pit) • All abilities park for kids • Preserve this (Old Mill) • Provide off leash dog areas • Historic location (Old Mill) • Preserve green space and open trail heads • Please preserve! Make a trailhead! (Top of and/or trail access the World Dr.)

Open Space Master Plan Public Engagement | 15 September 2017 Open House • Deaf Smith access: -trail access established Community members were invited to a public -no parking -parking can be directed to open house at City Hall on September 28, 2017 Golden Hills Park to give input and share ideas to help shape the • Entrance point to the wilderness. (Deaf future of the Cottonwood Heights Open Space Smith) Plan. The following comments were received at • Leave as open space with trails like Dimple the open house: Dale. Paths to walk with dogs! (Above Top of the World) • A multi-use trail should be a priority. (East • I would like to see walking or biking trails on Jordan Canal Trail) this face. Connections to BST. (Above Top of • Take out a house, make a trailhead, pocket the World) park. (Union View Trail) • This is no mans land Needs to be purchased • Open road for pedestrian access to Home not built upon. (Above Top of the World) Depot. (Union View Trail) • Buffer zone for home owners Privacy, peace, • Keep Crestwood Park and Little Cottonwood enjoyment. (Above Top of the World) Park natural environment, do not develop or • Preserve the existing undeveloped space for allow dogs off leash. the beauty of the city, as well as the current • Dog park area off leash. (Crestwood Park) wildlife. Also for the safety of the existing • Would love to see a section of this reserved homes to prevent erosion, mudslides, as a dog park; NO DOG PARK PLEASE; No flooding, etc. dog park please this is from a dog owner and lover. On leash is fine. (Crestwood Park) • How about a new trail to parallel our BCC trail, it would be our LCC trail. (starting at Crestwood Park) • Acquire LDS property, keep wilderness and natural. • Should buy these acres for open space and trails. (LDS Property) • Put a preserve. Have access for hiking and BST. This area is a must to protect. (9151 S. Wasatch Blvd.) • This is a historical location. -Early temple quary. -Recreation hub. -Bonneville Shorline Trailhead. (LCC Baseland) • No foothill or hillside development. • Legal trail access that would connect all the way to the bottom of LCC. (End of Top of the World) • Keep the open spaces there are a number of trails in this area. (End of Top of the World) • Deaf Smith Canyon access. • Trail access! (Deaf Smith) • Access for Deaf Smith Canyon.

16 | Public Engagement Cottonwood Heights • Leash free dog park along with park and ride. • Large park and ride for both canyons. (Gravel (Ferguson Overflow) Pit) • Start to Focus on the connection between • Approach SL County to turn unbuilt part of BCC and LCC via the BST. Tavaci into trails/open space. • Buffer zone for homeowners, maybe parking • Open space with connector to expand BST. for access to BST to be limited to the parking No housing development in area above lots at the base of BCC and LCC. Maybe Wasatch. Redevelopment of gravel pit offer for the homeowners to purchase with mixed-use and mass transit access. property directly behind their homes. TRAX connection, alleviation of ski traffic on • Focus on the BST from BCC to LCC to start a Wasatch. proper bike program. • Acquire and preserve Old Mill, don’t let it • Extend Bywater south (purchase land to crumble. the south) add off leash dog park in the city • Old Mill would be a good dog park. somewhere. • Leash free dog park. (Cemetery) October 2017 Open Space Survey • Bike park, running trail. (Cemetery) A survey was handed out to residents at the • Continue trail thru the gravel pit development, open house and given out to residents in the connect the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. community throughout the month of October 2017. This survey received 138 responses.

Open Space Master Plan Public Engagement | 17 April 2018 Open House this has been a challenge. Community members were invited to a follow- • Need more family friendly bike and up open house at City Hall on April 29, 2018 to walking paths. Love Big Cottonwood trail! give additional input. Residents were asked the Would love to see a safe bike path along following questions: Wasatch…separate from the road so kids can use. • How should the City fund open space • We need legal access of the foothills preservation? behind Kings Hill Drive. Maybe an • I support a bond or tax increase to easement to access the trail system in establish access to the Bonneville that area would be possible. Shoreline Trail. • Open to trail off of Golden Hills Dr.

• What new trails should the City pursue? • How should we improve the quality of current Where? parks? • We should have MTB and/or bike specific • My biggest priorities are upgrading trails in the foothills. The BST connection existing Cottonwood Heights parks to form BCC to LCC is just a start and even make them more dog friendly. One of the

18 | Public Engagement Cottonwood Heights easiest and cheapest ways to do this is • What should be the City’s priorities for new by installing dog friendly water fountains. parks? Commercial prices for these fountains are • Mountain Bike Park similar to Corner between $3,000-7,000. Canyon- this could be on the cemetery • I would like to see shade sails for the land or gravel pit. playgrounds, especially at Golden Hills, • I would also love to see an off-leash dog Mill Hollow, and Mountview Park (too park, but I understand that’s a big ask. hot to use in summer) I would like to see • Off-leash area for dogs would be a great outdoor exercise equipment at Parks, like improvement for the community. Murray Park. Parents can exercise while kids play. Each park should have an off • If it was acquired, how should the City use leash area. natural open space? • Access to the foothills that does not encroach on private property rights.

Open Space Master Plan Public Engagement | 19 Cottonwood Heights Community 2019 Relevant Survey Findings & Citizen Surveys Comments The City of Cottonwood Heights hired a market • Residents would allocate nearly 6% of the research and data analytics group, Y2 Analytics, City budget towards trail development if they to conduct official citizen surveys. Surveys were could program the budget. conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The surveys • 61% of respondents indicated that “improving included several questions related to parks and and maintaining current City parks, trails, open space, as well as numerous opportunities and open spaces” was more important than for residents to give general feedback. “purchasing land and developing new parks, trails, and open spaces.” 2016 Relevant Survey Findings & Citizen • 7% of respondents indicated that Ferguson Comments Canyon Trailhead was the most used by their • We need to have off leash areas for dog household or visited most often. owners period. We do not have one off leash • 11% indicated that they wanted to see area. Ferguson Canyon Trailhead to “see improved • Need dog parks upon the most.” • DOG Park!!! • A dedicated unleash dog park is needed to promote exercise and community engagement. • Lack of a dog park. Bywater Park used to be off leash but no longer is.. The holding pond down the hill behind The DOT yard used to let the dogs swim there. It was a whole community of dog people for the 2 months there is water. Not anymore. • Lack of dog parks

2017 Relevant Survey Findings & Citizen Comments • A majority of residents reported participating in outdoor recreation at City parks at least once a month. • A majority of residents would be willing to pay anywhere from $25-100 per year for parks & open spaces or increased street maintenance, although there is some evidence of price sensitivity. • When asked to prioritize parks and open space investments for the future, residents ranked a dog park as a top priority, just below preserving open space and building new parks.

20 | Public Engagement Cottonwood Heights Recommendations Vision Urban Forest • The urban forest is maintained, upgraded, Preserve and Protect and valued as a public resource that Parks and Open Space contributes to the enjoyment of the urban and • Existing parks and recreation facilities are natural world. maintained, upgraded, and highly utilized. • Natural lands, open spaces, features, vistas, Enhance and Connect and landmarks are protected throughout Parks and Open Space the City and in adjacent Federal, State, and • A high-quality open space network has been County open space lands. created. Equitable distribution and access to • Wildlife habitat is preserved and managed high quality parks and recreational facilities to appropriately support habitat connectivity are found throughout the city. Parks and and ecology and serves as a refuge for open space pedestrian service area gaps species impacted by urbanization while not are filled with facilities matched to the area’s jeopardizing people or property near it. needs. Regional open space and parks are • The fire wildland-urban interface properly considered as meeting part of the city-wide maintains the health and safety of people and needs. property while protecting critical habitat and • Open space has been acquired for formal ecosystems. preservation and enjoyment by future Trails and Active Transportation generations. • Existing trails, trailheads, and the active • City-owned property and right-of-way transportation network are maintained, enhances the natural beauty of the City. upgraded, and highly utilized.

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 21 • Unique neighborhood activity centers rights. incorporate open space, public plazas, and • Wayfinding is found throughout the city other amenities act as strong pedestrian that helps people navigate and enjoy the destinations and activity nodes that create complete open space network by active additional interest and reasons for people to means. walk and utilize the active transportation and • A robust city- and canyon-wide public transit trail network throughout the City. system relieves traffic generation and parking • Historic buildings and sites are incorporated demand as well as expand the range and into the open space network. reach of trail and active transportation facility • Clean, clear, and dark skies are enjoyed and users to park and open space destinations. recognized as vital component to the City’s Parking management strategies open space network. compliment the support of transit and active • Plan open space and the built environment transportation goals. together to allow both uses to enhance the • An active transportation network that other. connects sidewalks, neighborhood pedestrian Trails and Active Transportation connections, urban and natural trails, and • An established interconnected greenway bike lanes. network connects neighborhoods to city and Urban Forest regional parks, open spaces and activity • Parks and streets populated with healthy areas through a seamless integration of trees that create a hospitable environment sidewalks, active-transportation, off-road and and maximize canopy without being natural trail facilities. detrimental to private property or public • The trail network accesses public lands infrastructure. for city resident and non-city users without • New development prioritizes and amply interfering with the quality of life of nearby incorporates preserved and new trees. residents or infringing on private property

22 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Equitable and Accessible of the urban forest, mean residents enjoy Parks and Open Space a higher level of physical, mental, and • Parks and open spaces are designed to economic health over their predecessors. accommodate diverse activities, ages, • Parks, open spaces, trails, crossings, and abilities, and user groups and can respond to recreational facilities are safe and inviting. changing recreational trends. Trails and Active Transportation Collaborate and Educate • Trail and active transportation facilities • A productive relationship with neighboring accommodate diverse active transportation cities, Salt Lake County, Federal agencies, modes that meet the needs of diverse ages, regional partners, and non-profits preserve, abilities, and user group’s maintain, enhance, and create a parks, open Urban Forest space and trails system that meets plan and • The benefits of the urban forest are mutual goals. received in all neighborhoods within the city, • Residents are partners with the city in regardless of the area’s past development maintaining and achieving plan goals. history. • Resident’s education about the value and opportunities of the City’s parks, open Healthy and Safe space, trails, and forestry lead them to take • High utilization of parks, open space, trails, pride-in, proactively utilize and contribute to and recreation, coupled with the benefits maintaining and building it.

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 23 Benefits Economic Benefits Health Benefits The National Recreation and Park Association Parks, trails, and open space contribute to the (NRPA) analyzed studies on the economic happy, healthy lifestyles of residents. Another impacts of parks and found that “a premium of 8 analysis by the NRPA of scientific studies related percent to 10 percent on property values abutting to the health benefits of parks found that: or fronting a passive park in urban environments” was a conservative estimate of the economic • Living close to parks and other recreation benefits of parks. This impact was generally facilities is consistently related to higher higher for properties closer to the parks and physical activity levels for both adults and also higher for passive parks rather than active youth. parks. Good park design and adequate buffers to • Adolescents with easy access to multiple adjacent neighbors were recommended as ways recreation facilities were more physically to prevent perceived negative impacts. active and less likely to be overweight or obese than adolescents without access to Research by the University of Washington found such facilities. that “homes that are adjacent to naturalistic • Increasing access to recreation facilities is an parks and open spaces are valued at 8-20% essential strategy for preventing childhood higher than comparable properties, with the obesity. positive price effect declining to near zero about • Organized park programs and supervision ½ mile away.” may increase the use of parks and playgrounds and may also increase physical The NRPA also analyzed studies related to the activity, particularly among youths. economic impact of trails, finding that “a small • Park renovations can increase vigorous positive premium of between 3 percent and 5 physical activity among children and can also percent was the most widespread outcome for increase the use of certain types of facilities, a single-family home located next to a trail.” As including playgrounds and skate parks. with parks, it’s important for future trails to be well-designed with adequate buffers to preserve the privacy of the adjacent neighborhoods.

24 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Strategies Based on feedback from residents and the recommendations of existing long-range plans, this plan proposes the following new strategies to acheive the City’s open space goals. These strategies are “big ideas” that comprise a guiding vision of future possibilities. The strategies are intended to serve as policy guidelines and not specific plans for projects.

Existing Open Space • Off-leash dog area Cottonwood Heights residents enjoy a variety of • Restrooms existing parks, trails, and open space amenities. • Walking trails/tracks Assessing the existing facilities available to • Playground equipment the public is an essential step in planning for • Maintenance/cleanliness the future. The existing open space inventory • Trees includes parks, schools, private open space and • Walking/jogging tracks other special facilities like cemeteries and golf • Picnic areas courses. • Splash pads • Water fountains Specific recommendations for each park • Pickleball courts have not been included in this master plan. • Covered pavilions Improvements to parks should be planned • Exercise stations in cooperation with the Cottonwood Heights • Mountain bike pump track Parks and Recreation Service Area and • Stage/bandshell for live music Salt Lake County Parks, as applicable. The • Frisbee golf course recommendations included in this plan should be • Pollinator garden considered as each park upgrade is planned. • Community garden • Community event space Recommendations have been made by the public about amenities that are missing in One additional amenity that was not listed as a Cottonwood Heights. When residents were choice in the community survey is an all-abilities asked which existing amenities they would like park. Residents suggested that all-abilities to see improved on or which new amenities they playground amenities be added to City parks at would like added to their local parks, the top subsequent open houses. Demographic data responses were: suggests that there is a need for all-abilities facilities in Cottonwood Heights.

Potential improvements should be evaluated when new park upgrades are proposed to see if appropriate for a given location. Improvements will be made as budget, bonds, grants, donations and other methods outlined in the implementation chapter allow.

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 25 Future Open Space Fort Union Open Space Based on feedback from residents and existing As the commercial areas along Fort Union long-range plans, the Open Space Master Plan Blvd. redevelop in the future, it is important to makes recommendations for potential new design the new developments in a way that open space that could be developed, acquired, incorporates pedestrian walkways, public plazas, or otherwise preserved in the future. These and greenspace. These future open space are recommendations for future projects to be points on the map aren’t intended to indicate considered, not approvals of specific plans. The that the commercial properties will be converted properties featured in the future open space map into parks and open space, but rather that new could become new parks, could incorporate new developments will provide open space amenities facilities or amenities in future developments, or for the public. could be passive open space preservation areas depending on what’s most appropriate for the Whitmore Area Park given area. Developing a park in this location would serve the neighborhoods in the Whitmore planning City Hall Open Space Opportunity area that do not have a public park within Options for additional open space amenities at walking distance. City Hall could include benches, a pavilion, or an event space.

Future Open Space Map Segment (Final maps to be updated after public comment)

26 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Ferguson Overflow Trailhead & Park This Walkscore is supported by Cottonwood Ferguson Canyon is a regional facility attracting Heights’ independent Pedestrian Open Space users from along the Wasatch Front. It is the Connectivity Analysis. The analysis shows that seventh most frequented frontal canyon in the although the Alta and Golden Hills Neighborhood Salt Lake Valley with approximately 40% of the east of Wasatch Blvd. is generally within a 5-10 trips as the highly popular Mt. Olympus trail minute walking distance to either Ferguson (based on alltrails.com data). Yet, this facility has Canyon Trailhead or Golden Hills Park. However, 16 parking stalls and has been photographed the Mountain Estates Neighborhood west of to be at 150% capacity and the proposed Wasatch Blvd. has a Walkscore of 20 and no overflow parking site had 18 vehicles parked on parks or trailheads within a 5-10 minute walk. it (Saturday, June 17, 2016 aerial photography – Google Earth). When parking overflows into The Wasatch Blvd Master Plan indicates adjacent residential areas, create conflicts that a pedestrian overpass to the propose between local and regional users and adjacent trailhead’s general vicinity. It is planned to property owners. connect the Mountain Estates Neighborhood to the west over Wasatch Blvd to a planned The Federal Highway Administration’s 2009 Wasatch Blvd Multi-use Trail. The intersection National Household Travel Survey indicates that of the proposed trailhead, multi-use path, and the estimated daily walk trips per household pedestrian overpass has great potential to per day for the neighborhood surrounding the become a neighborhood hub and dramatically proposed trailhead are amongst the lowest in improve walking trips within the area and access the city, at 0.6 to 0.7 walks trips per day. This to parks and trailheads, especially for the may be due to the general design conditions Mountain Estates Neighborhood. Completion of and street network of the area. WalkScore.com this additional trailhead will reinforce efforts to data indicates that the proposed trailhead area complete the Wasatch Blvd. multi-use trail and is generally auto-dependent with an overall pedestrian overpass. “Walkscore” of 36. City staff has identified this location as one of the top preferred sites for a future off-leash dog park.

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 27 Foothills Open Space Preservation The foothills east of Wasatch Blvd. are considered the scenic backdrop of the city and should be preserved to the extent possible for wildlife habitat and recreation. Most residents ranked open space preservation as a high priority in the City surveys and open houses. Further discussion of open space acquisition criteria and funding strategies is included in the “Implementation” chapter of this plan.

28 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Gravel Pit & Old Mill Open Space Porcupine Trail Open Space Opportunities The area west of the recently completed Future development of the Wasatch Gravel segment of the Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail Pit and Old Mill properties should include that connects to the Fort Union Park and Ride trailheads, plazas, parks, and other open space (the “Porcupine Trail”) has potential for future amenities as appropriate. Multiple open space improvements to continue along Fort Union points have been included in the plan for future Boulevard as a greenbelt trail/walkway open amenities to be added throughout the Gravel Pit space amenity. development. Canyon Centre Park A park at the new Canyon Centre development at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon was approved as part of the original Canyon Centre master plan.

Future Open Space Map Segment (Final maps to be updated after public comment)

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 29 Off-Leash Dog Park Site Selection City Staff prepared an unofficial dog park plan in • The site selection process began with a GIS 2019 at the Mayor’s request as part of a student analysis of parcels in Cottonwood Heights, project. The full dog park plan is attached as an ranked according to criteria including size, appendix to the open space plan for reference. A land use, cost, access, environmental factors, summary of the plan is included below: and other characteristics. Based on this analysis, the top three preferred sites for an Goals off-leash dog park are Mountview Park, Lab • The purpose of the Dog Park Plan is Alive (the “Swamp Lot”), and Prospector to establish guidelines for the future Park. Other feasible sites for off-leash dog development of an off-leash dog park in park consideration have been identified for Cottonwood Heights. The specific goals of further consideration. the plan are to: • Assess community preferences for a future Design Recommendations off-leash dog park. • The design guidelines section includes • Establish criteria to be used when evaluating recommendations to be included in a future potential sites for new off-leash dog parks. dog park’s design. Recommended features • Identify and analyze potential sites for future include drinking fountains, perimeter fencing, off-leash dog park development. shade structures, benches, trees, pathways, • Make design recommendations for a potential double-gated entry, segmented lawn areas, future off-leash dog park. small dog areas, waste bags & trash cans. • Make recommendations for the location of a future off-leash dog park. • Provide recommendations for the maintenance and operation of a future off- leash dog park.

30 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Existing Trails There are several existing formal trails in The existing trail network includes: Cottonwood Heights. The existing trails map includes existing trailheads, urban trails, and • Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail natural trails. Natural trails are typically unpaved • Cottonwood Corporate Center Trail with minimal improvements, while urban trails • East Jordan Canal Trail generally include more formal walkways paved • Ferguson Canyon (Timberline) Trail for use by walkers, families with strollers, cyclists, and people in wheelchairs. This map also includes small neighborhood pedestrian connections to schools and parks.

Existing Trails Map (Final maps to be updated after public comment)

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 31 Future Trails Little Cottonwood Trail Cottonwood Heights Loop The Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail is a This trail concept creates a long loop connecting tremendously popular trail that follows Big several existing and proposed trails throughout Cottonwood Creek from the base of Big the City with connections to several parks along Cottonwood Canyon to Holladay City. There is the route. The proposed route would connect the an opportunity for a similar trail to be built along following trails and parks: the Little Cottonwood Creek from the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon all the way to Wheeler • Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail Farm in Murray. This proposed trail extends for • Old Mill Park over 6 miles through multiple jurisdictions, mostly • Cottonwood Heights Trail (I-215 Trail) along privately owned property. This concept • East Jordan Canal Trail will require additional research, planning, and • Mountview Park significant public outreach in the future. Note that • Union View Trail two possible alignments have been identified, • Crestwood Park either closely following the creek or possibly • Little Cottonwood Creek Trail following the hillside between Crestwood Park • Bengal Blvd. Bike Lanes and through the back of Brighton High School. • City Hall • Butler Park/Rec Center • Bywater Park • Fort Union Multi-Use Path

Future Trails Map (Final maps to be updated after public comment)

32 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Fort Union Cycle Track The 2017 Fort Union Master Plan adopted by the City calls for bike lanes on both sides of Fort Union Blvd, stating that “the City has a major opportunity to build off the Big Cottonwood Creek corridor – to extend the regional recreation network further into the Fort Union Corridor.” The plan aimed to improve bicycle and pedestrian movement along the entirety of the corridor by adding bike lanes and encouraging a multimodal transportation system.

This plan seeks to reinforce the vision of the Fort Union plan by recommending a multi-use path on each side of Fort Union along the entirety of the corridor, similar to what was proposed in the “Community District” section of the original plan. Due to the high speeds along Fort Union and the presence of large power lines, a separated bike track is recommended to provide connectivity in a safe way that is accessible to users of all Enchanted Valley Trail comfort levels. There is potential for a future trailhead and social trail near the Racquet Club Condos through the Cottonwood Heights Trail (I-215 Trail) Brighton Point, Apple Valley, and Enchanted Hills A recently completed segment of Parley’s Trail in subdivisions connecting to Bywater Park and along I-80 demonstrates that trails along freeway possibly through the Memorial Estates cemetery right-of-way can be an effective way to serve the to Bengal Boulevard. As with the other proposed needs of nearby residents. This plan envisions trails in this master plan, this proposal is mostly a trail similar to the Parley’s Trail along I-215 along privately owned property and will require connecting the Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail to additional planning efforts and public outreach in the Union Park Interchange. the future.

East Jordan Canal Trail The East Jordan Canal Trail currently extends from Fort Union Blvd. at Park Centre Dr. along the canal to the back of Mountview Park. The trail could be continued along the canal further northeast up to the freeway. The canal currently crosses the freeway in a pipe above the lanes of traffic. With coordination between the City, UDOT, and Murray City, there might be a way to modify this structure to double as a bridge, providing pedestrian connectivity between Cottonwood Heights and Murray.

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 33 Union View Trail Enchanted Valley Trail Another trail concept connecting the Union There is potential for a future trailhead and social View Subdivision in the Crestwood Planning trail near the Racquet Club Condos through the Area down to the Park Centre commercial Brighton Point, Apple Valley, and Enchanted Hills development (Target and Home Depot) in subdivisions connecting to Bywater Park and the Union Planning Area. A concept plan was possibly through the Memorial Estates cemetery prepared for the city showing a possible trail to Bengal Boulevard. As with the other proposed alignment connecting to the commercial area trails in this master plan, this proposal is mostly below with other possible connections to the along privately owned property and will require neighborhood and around the hillside to the additional planning efforts and public outreach in Santa Fe Apartments. the future.

Concept Design for the Union View Trail

34 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Wasatch Boulevard Trail • Connecting the corridor’s activity centers and The Wasatch Boulevard Area Master Plan, communities to the Cottonwood canyons. adopted by the City in 2019, envisioned a shared • Implementing the city’s Bicycle and Trails use pathway along the full length of the corridor. Master Plan by enhancing the on-street The plan made the following recommendations: bike lane and lowering of vehicle speeds to improve conditions for road cyclists. • Linking disconnected neighborhoods together • The Wasatch Boulevard Trail also includes through shared use pathways and trails along connections to the Old Mill and Gravel Pit Wasatch Boulevard. properties north of Fort Union Boulevard. • Reducing the barrier of Wasatch Boulevard with improved pedestrian and bicycle Bonneville Shoreline Trail crossings. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a recreational • Enhancing visibility of pedestrians and trail envisioned to one day span from the cyclists at crosswalks at major intersections. Utah-Idaho border to Nephi, Utah. The city • Creating a network of paths and crossings of Cottonwood Heights supports efforts to along the corridor will make short trips easier complete the section of the trail proposed within to take on foot and bike and improve transit city boundaries. Possible future trailheads and access. connections to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail • Creating a network of paths that is a venue are proposed at the Gravel Pit, Prospector Hills, for recreation for all types of interests and Golden Hills, Deaf Smith Canyon, Jefferson abilities – paved and dirt trails, routes to Hollow, and at the base of Little Cottonwood parks and loops. Canyon (with possible connections through the “Tree Farm” property).

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 35 Planning Areas and recreation, or possibly as part of daily life activity, such as attending school, a job, or Planning areas have been included in this shopping. master plan to help analyze the open space needs of each neighborhood and connections The goal is to link these activity areas together to between neighborhoods in the city. Planning form the basis and backbone for a robust open areas boundaries were determined on physical space network of places, activities and paths. criteria. Examining these elements at a regional, city- wide, and neighborhood planning area scale • Activity Centers were identified. These allow the identification of gaps and needs in the represent areas and locations that people system. will frequent on a regular basis. Activity areas are divided into three classifications on a Planning areas also look beyond the borders subjective level of use. beyond other planning areas, but also the city. • Open space and recreation centers were This plan is not intended to impose goals or a identified. vision on adjacent jurisdictions, but rather to • The pedestrian and cycling network was explore options that may be mutually beneficial thoroughly mapped. and help enhance the quality of life of our neighbors, as well as take advantage of nearby These three main components help identify resources outside the city. Therefore, planning where people are likely to go to enjoy open area boundaries do not always coincide with city space, whether in the classical sense of parks boundaries.

36 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Union Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 37 Colebrook Planning Area

38 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Crestwood Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 39 Little Cottonwood Creek Valley Planning Area

40 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Brighton Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 41 Whitmore Planning Area

42 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Knudsen’s Corner Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 43 Butler Bench Planning Area

44 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Old Mill Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 45 Butlerville Planning Area

46 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Wasatch Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 47 Danish Town Planning Area

48 | Recommendations Cottonwood Heights Granite Planning Area

Open Space Master Plan Recommendations | 49 Implementation Open Space Acquisition • b. Does this property contribute to a greenway or larger open space area? Open Space Acquisition Criteria • c. Is protecting this property a strategic The acquisition process for open space is one move to protect a larger area? of the most important aspects of the planning • d. Should preservation of this property be process. Choosing the criteria and method the a priority due an imminent purchase or city uses to purchase open space lands and development? guide developers in setting aside critical open • e. How compatible is the proposed open space helps to ensure that the city spends space and/or recreational uses of this money wisely and in a manner that citizens parcel with the adjacent land uses? would prefer. The criteria set forth in this chapter are intended to solidify the direction citizens • 2) Scenic/Aesthetic/Sense of Place have given through this planning process. • a. Does the property provide vistas or scenic views of Wasatch Mountains, the Identifying and prioritizing open space criteria Salt Lake Valley, surrounding bluffs, or is a key step in the open space planning other features that contribute to the sense process. Citizens, the City Council, the Planning of place that is Cottonwood Heights? Commission and city staff will work together • b. Will the acquisition preserve important to prioritize which open space parcels are views from roads, natural trails, or other appropriate for purchase or preservation. prominent public locations?

• c. To what extent will the property The maps included in this plan identify desirable enhance the quality of life for City opportunities for future open spaces and trails. residents and visitors? The information included in these maps is • d. Does the property serve as a intended to help direct the City Council, Planning community buffer or separator? Commission and staff to areas that may contain • e. Does the property help maintain a attributes worth preserving; these maps are sense of agricultural tradition and rural not designed to show specific properties for character? preservation or final alignments for future trails. Each potential open space site or trail will need • 3) Outdoor Recreation/Public Use to be evaluated and studied on a site specific • a. What is the potential for public use and level. outdoor recreation on this property? • b. To what extent does this property Each new potential open space or trail should provide opportunity to integrate public use be individually evaluated to assess the project’s into a larger recreation network? overall value to the open space system. Staff • c. What opportunities for outdoor should consider the following key factors when recreation does this property provide? prioritizing specific projects: • d. Are the activities considered appropriate with the ecological, physical • 1) Site Context and social environment? • a. To what extent is the property located near other protected lands or identified open space areas?

50 | Implementation Cottonwood Heights • 4) Public Support Factors • f. Are water rights available? • a. Is this a high profile acquisition from the • g. What is the potential for habitat public perspective? restoration? • b. Will acquisition of this property serve as • h. Are there any environmental liabilities a catalyst for other acquisitions? or hazards associated with the property? • c. Will acquisition of this property in the manner proposed serve as a positive • 7) Historical/Archaeological example for other landowners? • a. Does the property contain significant • d. Is there a willing seller? archaeological, historical, or cultural resources? • 5) Price • a. Is the price reasonable given current • 8) Education supply and demand and net present • a. Are there educational opportunities value? associated with this property? • b. Is the landowner willing to reduce the cost to the City for charitable or tax • 9) Does the project contribute to a balanced purposes? open space system based on: • c. Are there opportunities for cost sharing? • a. Geographic distribution? • d. Can the goals of the City’s Open Space • b. Project type? Program be achieved with less than fee • c. Urgent/immediate demands and long simple acquisition? term goals? • e. Will the property become more • d. Population distribution? expensive or developed if not acquired now? • f. Are the projected annual management and maintenance costs acceptable and reasonable?

• 6) Environment/Ecology • a. Does the property have special value for wildlife preservation or does it act as a wildlife corridor? • b. Does the acquisition preserve lands critical to an animal protection? • c. Will the acquisition preserve unusual terrain or unique environmental, geological, or ecological features? • d. To what extent does the property provide a buffer to minimize the disruption of ecological processes on already protected land? • e. Will acquisition of this property protect wetlands or other biologically sensitive riparian areas?

Open Space Master Plan Implementation | 51 Funding Strategies Grants & Programs The following options are available to Various Federal, State, County, and other Cottonwood Heights for the implementation of grants are available for the development and the plan recommendations: maintenance of open space, parks, trails, tree placement and urban fisheries, including: City General Fund • County ZAP Tax The city’s general fund is the primary financial • Transportation & Land Use Connection (TLC) source for general government operations. The • Central Wasatch Commission (CWC) major sources for this fund are property taxes, • Healthy Salt Lake sales taxes, energy taxes, and other fees. Each • Community Development Block Grants city department makes expenditures based on • Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation Grants the city budget approved each year by the City • County Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Council. The City Council may propose funding Convention (TRCC) Grants in future budgets for parks, trails, and open • Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) space projects that achieve the goals of this • National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and plan. Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program • Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Impact Fees • UDOT Surface Transportation Program (STP) The city should explore the possibility of adopting a parks impact fee for new development and Private Donations redevelopment. Impact fees can help offset the Private donations through fundraising, adopt- impacts of new development as the city grows. a-park or adopt-a-trail programs, corporate partnerships, and local volunteer efforts could be Bonds used to support open space projects. The city Bonds can be used by the city to finance public could consider a program to allow individuals open space projects. General obligation bonds to make “micro donations” to cover the cost of are secured by and repaid from property taxes specific park amenities like benches. and must be approved by a majority of voters in a bond election. A bond election allows Development & Redevelopment Cottonwood Heights voters to approve a loan The dedication of land for parks, trails, and active on property tax increases, which can be a transportation improvements can be required good revenue source for projects with a broad by the city during the development process, as appeal to the public, but may not be appropriate required by the city code. Easements for future if a project is viewed by constituents as non- trails can be required on private property in essential. developed areas as redevelopment occurs on individual parcels.

52 | Implementation Cottonwood Heights