River City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting - November 5, 2025

The River City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee convened on November 5, 2025, to approve previous minutes, establish the meeting schedule for 2026, and deliberate on five major agenda items including trail alignments, connectivity projects, and new revenue strategies. The committee voted to adopt a bi-monthly meeting schedule and approved specific trail design modifications for Rattling Hump, Red Rock, and Maple Hollow, while also initiating planning for a city-wide biking event.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3rd and October 1st meetings. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously with no edits or corrections requested.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Meeting Schedule: The committee discussed reducing meeting frequency to manage workload as the committee shifts from a development phase to maintenance. Three options were presented: quarterly meetings, six meetings per year, or continuing the current schedule with cancellations as needed. Members expressed that it is easier to cancel a meeting than to add one mid-cycle.

  • Positions: Several members advocated for a bi-monthly schedule (six times a year) to align with the committee's current maintenance phase, noting that the group has met frequently since its formation over 25 years ago.
  • Decision: The committee moved toward accepting Option Two (meeting every other month, six times a year) with the understanding that July would likely be cancelled due to summer vacation patterns. The motion to adopt the bi-monthly schedule was passed unanimously. It was decided to maintain the current 7:00 PM start time to ensure a quorum could be met, despite minor concerns about evening hours.

• Rattling Hump Trail Alignment: Staff presented three alignment options for a new trail connection near Eagle Crest, with a preference for the "green alignment" (Option 3) to minimize steep grades and avoid creating new intersections.

  • Positions: Committee members expressed strong support for the green alignment, citing the need to separate uphill and downhill traffic, avoid confusing intersections, and improve flow. One member noted the importance of maintaining one-way access to prevent conflicts with high school teams.
  • Decision: The committee approved the green alignment (Option 3) as the preferred design. They authorized Dustin (the project designer) to finalize details, including ensuring one-way signage from Rattling Hump to Eagle Crest and implementing barriers or signs to prevent unauthorized access to the trail from adjacent areas.

• Red Rock Trail Formalization: Staff proposed formalizing existing informal "social trails" used for rock climbing to manage erosion and user safety. The plan involves creating a designated loop with stairs to serve hikers and climbers, separating them from the main trail system.

  • Positions: Members supported the formalization to reduce bushwhacking and protect the natural environment. Concerns were raised about ensuring the new trail does not increase congestion at the popular climbing anchors, but the consensus was that a dedicated loop would alleviate this.
  • Decision: The committee approved a motion to adopt the new yellow path (designated as the proper blue path in the transcript discussion context) for the Red Rock formalization project, allowing for the construction of stairs and a controlled entry point.

• Maple Hollow/Flyover Project: Staff presented a plan to realign the Upper Maple trail to remove dangerous "flow killers" (tight, loose switchbacks) and prepare for a future flyover to separate high-speed downhill traffic from the slower Annie's Trail.

  • Positions: Members expressed enthusiasm for the alignment changes to improve rider safety and flow. There was supportive sentiment for the future flyover to eliminate stopping points, though it was noted that this is a higher-cost project likely for a future funding cycle. Some members questioned the specific location for a potential return trail or connector.
  • Decision: The committee approved the realignment with the aspiration of adding a future flyover. They noted the project is currently not on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) but acknowledged that staff could seek funding for the realignment (estimated at $10,000-$50,000) and potentially the flyover later.

• Longview/Ft. Canyon Connectivity: Staff discussed a potential multi-city trail connection involving Draper, Alpine, and the Fort Canyon property, aiming to link to the Wasatch State Trail (BST). The project requires easements from private landowners (Tratoda) and Fort Canyon LLC.

  • Positions: Members viewed this as a "wish list" item of high priority that has been sought for over 15 years. There was strong support for pursuing the grant opportunity (Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant) once properties owners agree to easements. Concerns were raised regarding the loss of a specific gated access point due to new development by Alpine Metals, necessitating a road widening project to maintain emergency access.
  • Decision: The committee approved a strategy to secure property owner agreements and easements before applying for the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant in March. Staff estimated the cost at $80,000-$150,000, with potential for a significant portion to be covered by donated easements serving as matching funds.

• Draper Bike Race Planning: A proposal was introduced to host a timed "time trial" style mountain bike race at Corner Canyon Park (starting at Brookside). The event would feature short, multi-lap courses with different skill categories.

  • Positions: Proponents argued the event would build community, raise funds for trail maintenance, and monetize the high-traffic trail system without charging high entry fees. Concerns were expressed regarding parking logistics, public safety, and the need to close trails to the general public during the event. The concept of a parking tag or pass for non-residents was broadly supported as a revenue source.
  • Decision: The committee expressed strong support for the initiative and directed the Special Events Coordinator to develop a site plan and coordinate with the Corner Canyon Trust Foundation. The target date for the event is the first week of June.

• Parking Pass/Monitization Proposal: Staff and members discussed implementing a paid parking pass system for non-residents at trailheads to ensure fair contribution to maintenance costs.

  • Positions: Members voiced strong support for a parking pass program, drawing parallels to other cities and parks. They noted that while it might deter some casual users, it is necessary to prevent the "tragedy of the commons" and ensure taxpayers are not subsidizing non-resident usage. The consensus favored a system where residents receive a free pass while non-residents pay, with enforcement via QR codes or license plate scanning.
  • Decision: The committee endorsed the concept and directed staff to research implementation details, including potential partnerships with existing services, to present a formal proposal at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed: Approved the 2026 meeting schedule of six times a year (every other month), retaining the 7:00 PM start time.
• Motion Passed: Approved the Green Alignment (Option 3) for the Rattling Hump trail project with specific one-way traffic controls.
• Motion Passed: Approved the formalization of the Red Rock trail using the proposed yellow path/stairs design.
• Motion Passed: Approved the Maple Hollow trail realignment with a future goal of constructing a flyover.
• Action Items:
  • Staff to begin engagement with private landowners for the Longview/Ft. Canyon BST connector to facilitate a March grant application.
  • Staff to develop a site plan for the Corner Canyon Bike Race targeting the first week of June.
  • Staff to research and prepare a parking pass program proposal for non-residents.
  • Next scheduled meeting: January 2026 (specific date to be confirmed as the 7th).