Results.

The corridor was split into three distinctive segments based on the user experience of each and amenities provided therein:

1. The Plaza — Approximately 700 to 800 West

2. The Natural — 800 to 900 West

3. The Active — 900 to 1000 West

Four questions were asked for each segment—what excites you, what do you dislike, what is missing, and do you have concerns.

Some feedback was consistent across the segments, respondents found City Creek, green/natural space, trees and native vegetation, shade, and seating areas most exciting. They disliked the street crossings. They thought lighting, enforcement, and improved street crossings were missing. Finally, they were most concerned with the design attracting people experiencing homelessness, safety, maintenance, and activation.

Feedback was also specific for each segment. In The Plaza, respondents were more excited by the skate park (14 comments), compared to the play space (4 comments). They disliked the amount of concrete surfaces and pavers. They primarily thought the segment was missing bathrooms (9 comments) and drinking fountains (6 comments). Some suggested more plantings and green space to reduce the amount of concrete (6 comments), while others suggested a small concert or live performance space (5 comments). Additional notable comments about missing elements include: public art (4 comments) and more separation and safety from the railroad tracks (3 comments). Many cited noise as a major concern in this segment with the railroad tracks and Interstate-15 nearby (9 comments). Some were concerned the project would displace people experiencing homelessness currently using the space (4 comments). Others were concerned with algae growing in the pond, water quality issues, and trash collecting in the pond/creek (3 comments each).

In The Natural, respondents were excited by the street crossing art at Jeremy Street (5 comments). They thought the segment was missing seating areas along City Creek (6 comments). Some suggested this segment would be a good area for urban farming and/or community gardens (5 comments), while others suggested a native species and/or pollinator plant demonstration garden (7 comments combined). A few suggested better incorporating the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency-owned Schovaers Electronics at 22 S Jeremy Street into the design (3 comments). Concerns cited for this segment include: irrigation and water-use on landscaping (3 comments), tree selection for future climate change (2 comments), and wildlife-friendly lighting (2 comments).

In The Active, respondents were most excited by the amphitheater seating (8 comments) and reduction of Folsom Ave to make space for more green space and trees (7 comments). Others were excited by the mural and further art/placemaking (4 comments) and the secondary trail (3 comments). They disliked any parking and/or space being taken up by Folsom Avenue (10 comments), while less disliked removing parking on Folsom Avenue (4 comments). Respondents thought this segment was missing further Folsom Avenue reduction (9 comments) and a connection to the Jordan River Trail (7 comments). They were equally concerned about traffic on Folsom Avenue and lack of parking on Folsom Avenue (3 comments).

Design Walks.

Two design walks were held on September 30, 2023 to provide in-person tours of the design and solicit feedback. Approximately eight participants joined. In addition, an outreach table was hosted at The Plaza (35 South 800 West), which engaged an additional seven passersby.

On the first tour, two participants wanted to see train history and train watching integrated into the design. According to these train club members, there is a historic train car that they are looking to relocate. The train car could be placed at The Plaza with signage highlighting its history and could serve as a museum, event venue, and/or food/drink kiosk. Another participant suggested creating paddling opportunities in the pond. In The Natural, a participant wanted to see more secondary trails that wind and cross each other. Although not in the scope, a participant wanted to see an extension of the stream daylighting to the Jordan River and connection to the Jordan River Trail.

In the second tour, a participant wanted to see more information about the lighting plan and nighttime use. Another participant was excited about train-watching opportunities in The Plaza and fewer cars in The Active.

Business Owners Meeting

Eight business owners joined the feedback event, targeting businesses along the Folsom Trail corridor, on September 11, 2023 at the former Schovaers Electronics building. A participant suggested choosing tree species that would preserve view corridors to the stream, art/placemaking, and for safety. Another suggested planting trees that would grow tall for shade. It was suggested to include a small segment of grass for users to sit, relax, or kick a ball. Although outside the project scope, there was concern about the trail railroad crossings. This targeted event also led to online comments from business owners not able to attend the in-person meeting.

Methodology.

QR codes on each engagement method were tracked via UTM parameters. Total users to the site during this engagement phase was 1,099, between August 14, 2023 and September 15, 2023. According to this data, the most effective method was paid social media ads at 515 users (47 percent of total)—458 to the English ad and 57 to the Spanish ad. This was followed by: design boards – 71 users (6 percent), lawn signs – 31 users (3 percent), door hangers – 25 users (2 percent), and walk handouts – 2 users.

There were 251 users from direct sources (i.e. typing folsomtrail.org into their browser). Tracking methods are not able to see where these users are coming from. It may be that users came from the print materials, including the design boards, lawn signs, door hangers, and/or walk handout. Other referrals include: social media – 93 users (8 percent), Seven Canyons Trust – 29 users (3 percent), Salt Lake City – 6 users (1 percent), email – 5 users, KRCL – 2 users, and other/unknown – 17 users (2 percent). Search engines accounted for 49 users (4 percent). Previous engagement materials accounted for 3 users.