County Commission Chair Louenda Downs reaffirmed the partnership that exists between Davis County, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, and other government entities, Tuesday.
With ongoing plans to make it easier to walk and ride those trails, a press conference and “Lake to Lake Vision” Blueprint Jordan River was due to be held Wednesday afternoon, as the Clipper went to press, in Salt Lake City.
As a corollary to that, County Trails Planner Scott Hess noted that use and acceptance of the Legacy trails has been positive.
“It’s amazing, I hear good comments from our city representatives and trails people,” he said. “The number one comment I hear is ‘why isn't it paved all the way to Salt Lake?’”
“(Salt Lake) Mayor (Ralph) Becker said he likes to bike on the Legacy Highway,” Downs said.
Another question, now that snow has fallen, is why it’s not paved.
That’s up to individual cities or the county in the 3 1/2 miles unincorporated area that is under county jurisdiction, Hess said.
That and other issues can be worked out over time, he said. For example, with grant funding from federal sources, including county match, further improvements can be made.
A number one concern is construction of restrooms along the trail. Currently, no such facilities exist anywhere near the trail, Hess said.
Trail signage, ongoing maintenance, other improvements could be implemented via a phased approach, he told the commissioners.
The Legacy Parkway was designated as a state scenic byway in 2002, years before the highway opened.
On Wednesday, application seeking national designation was to be submitted, Hess said.
The biggest benefit to achieving that designation would be funding, he said. In addition, code protections would be possible, such as not allowing billboards, and also uniform planning.
“This is a living document. We can add, detract,” said County Commissioner Alan Hansen.
In relation to the parkway discussion, commissioners approved a modified general plan.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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