Draper City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Draper City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The committee reviewed and discussed two major projects: the Hidden Canyon development plan and the River to Range trail study. Recommendations were made to the City Council regarding the Hidden Canyon plan with modifications, and a preferred alignment for the River to Range trail was identified. The meeting also included updates on other parks and trail projects.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous consent (motion, second, all in favor).

Discussion Items

Hidden Canyon Project

Brad presented an updated concept for the Hidden Canyon area, located at the top of Hog Hollow near the Peak View Trailhead. The original proposal has evolved from a simple paved trail to a more comprehensive plan including:

• A paved multi-use trail (approximately one-third of a mile) that meanders through trees to provide shade, with ADA-compliant sections (under 5% grade) and an accessible-friendly section (under 8% grade). The trail requires switchbacks, retaining walls (approximately 3 feet high), and boardwalks or small bridges over drainages.
• A primitive trail loop (under a quarter mile) for jogging or biking, possibly with flow features.
• A medium-sized playground and swing set area.
• A covered picnic shelter with picnic tables.
• A drinking fountain (water already planned for irrigation).
• Discussion of adding a restroom: committee members expressed strong support for a single-stall restroom, noting the high usage expected. Brad noted that a restroom would require sewer, electrical, and water, potentially costing $100,000–$150,000. The committee favored exploring a restroom near the road to avoid a sewer pump.
• Fitness stations: Brad described potential stations that require 15x15 to 20x20 foot pads. Committee members expressed skepticism about their usage and cost of grading, preferring to limit stations to a pull-up bar or similar low-impact element. A motion was made to recommend the plan with the caveat that fitness stations be minimized.
• Native trees and seeding: Committee members encouraged including native trees and seeding to support the ecosystem and fight invasive species. The Tree Commission may have funds available.

Estimated project cost: approximately $1 million (up from an earlier $500k estimate), funded through park impact fees.

The committee made a motion to recommend the plan to the City Council with the following changes: add a single-stall restroom, include native trees and seeding, and limit fitness stations to a pull-up bar or very limited installation. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

River to Range Trail Study

Brad presented a study update for a trail connecting the Jordan River Parkway to the Porter Rockwell Trail, focusing on the gap between 123rd and 146th South. The study, funded by the Wasatch Front Regional Council, aims to cross three major barriers: I-15, Banger Highway, and railroad tracks. Four alignment options were presented:

1. Northern Option 1: Cross I-15 via a bridge behind IKEA, then follow the Canyon Creek corridor, using an existing crossing under the tracks. Estimated bridge cost: $7.3 million.
2. Northern Option 2: Similar corridor but using tunnels under on/off ramps and a bridge across I-15. Cost estimates: $4.2–$6.5 million for an underpass.
3. Southern Option 1: Cross I-15 near the Point development, go through the Point, then cross Banger Highway via an overpass. This involves multiple major crossings and higher cost.
4. Southern Option 2: Follow the East Jordan Canal corridor with a tunnel under I-15, connecting to South Fork and Wheaton Park. This option may be cheaper but has grade challenges.

Committee members expressed strong preference for the northern options, which better serve Draper residents and are more centrally located. They noted that the northern options address the existing gap in the trail system and would not require crossing Banger Highway. A committee member suggested adding a connection from the Point to the northern canal corridor to show alternative access for Point users. Brad confirmed this could be added to the study.

The committee made a motion to adopt the northern alignment (Option 1 or 2) as the preferred recommendation and to present it to the City Council and UDOT with the noted modifications. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes from the April meeting.
• Recommended the Hidden Canyon plan to the City Council with modifications: include a single-stall restroom, incorporate native trees and seeding, and limit fitness stations to minimal or low-impact installations (e.g., a pull-up bar).
• Recommended the northern alignment (Options 1 or 2) for the River to Range trail as the preferred route, with a suggestion to add a connection from the Point to the canal corridor for future study.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for September 2026, unless an urgent matter arises in July.

Other Updates

• Jensen Farm Park: Restrooms, barns, and ball courts are being poured; completion expected by end of June.
• Phoebe Brown Trail: Still in legal negotiations; updates expected by next meeting.
• Acton Trail: Water damage from runoff above the trail caused temporary closure; developer is working on repairs.
• Zeropa Trail: Feedback on the lower section is negative due to poorly designed jumps; a dig day is scheduled to address issues.
• Disc golf at Marabon (Wetland Park) is receiving positive feedback; a mandos sign is being installed on hole one.