Comments in the art and placemaking category mentioned the need for lights along the trail, which may have affected the decision to choose the light element. In the gathering spaces category, there were competing interests between providing amenities that were hostile to individuals experiencing homelessness and those that were friendly to this population. Many participants had to ask what green infrastructure was. This may be a reason for its low prioritization. Many also indicated the desire to have both native plantings and xeriscaping. Overall, Fisher Mansion Beer Garden participants complimented the simplicity of the visual preference activity and came back to check on progress throughout the events.

Stakeholder Forum.

Eighteen technical experts, community leaders, and municipal staff joined the Stakeholder Forum on January 11, 2023 at Sugar Space. A presentation introduced attendees to the project, background, existing conditions, community engagement, three characterizations: “Urban Industrial,” “Modern Greenway,” and “Nature Corridor,” and an early conceptual design. They were then spilt into three categories—Water, Community, and Recreation—for individual conversations prompted by questions. Questions asked whether the characterizations met project expectations and their preferences. Then, the group came together for a final discussion about the individual conversations. 

In the water conservation, attendees preferred the “Nature Corridor” characterizations because it met goals to improve water quality, mitigate flooding, provide access to nature, and had educational value to teach users about hydrology and ecology. The “Urban Industrial” characterization could be blended into the natural space to provide historical context. The stream channel can be used to collect and clean stormwater. Shade can protect from southern sun in the summertime.

Salt Lake City Public Utilities suggested there is not a need for a detention basin east of 800 West. Attendees would rather see the water come out directly into a stream channel. This could be a location for a large sculpture or landform art. Solar panels or small-scale wind turbines should be used to power the pump to get the stream to the surface.

Groundwater infiltration should be prevented because of soil contamination concerns. Clay can be used as a liner. Attendees suggested the stream design can get people close to the water but not in. Dogs can create issues with easy access. Rocks and vegetation can be used to reduce this access.

In the community conversation, attendees were drawn towards the “Urban Industrial” characterization for maintenance reasons. However, they suggested incorporating elements of the nature characterizations. The design should factor in the light industrial businesses there now and potentially more restaurants, retail, and/or residential in the future. The performance space was not desirable at the detention basin area due to the noise from trains. A sculptural element was proposed here. Trains could be embraced in design with viewing platforms. Art elements can be placed under the freeway to activate the space.

The stream channel should be safe, and the design should incorporate nature play spaces. Attendees suggested a small office or kiosk, which could include restrooms. Suggestions for amenities included: outdoor dining area, dog run, workout equipment, pickle ball court, chess boards, bike repair station, and ice-skating strip. Attendees suggested activation and programming are critical for successful design. The design should consider all populations, including people with disabilities, youth, and seniors.

In the recreation conversation, attendees preferred a blend of the “Nature Corridor” and “Urban Industrial.” Attendees mentioned the design is an opportunity to bring nature back to this industrial area. Active and passive recreation should be considered in the design. Secondary trails should facilitate passive recreation, while the main trail can be used by active recreators and commuters. Although, street and railroad crossings make this challenging.

Attendees suggested the performance space at the detention basin is not desirable. However, the space could feature train viewing platforms. The stream channel is more of a visual element, rather than recreational. Interpretive signage could highlight birding and wildlife watching. Nature play space—logs, boulders, and obstacle courses—and linear sport space—bocce or disc golf—could be incorporated. Art should be incorporated in the design, such as painted hopscotch or artistic lighting. Wind through the corridor could be used as an artistic element with wind chimes.

Development can facilitate more active uses along the trail, like coffee shops, restaurants, and retail, to create destinations. Folsom Avenue can be redesigned as a festival-type street to create a better nexus between the trail and businesses. Programming, such as yoga and tai chi, can help activate the trail and facilitate other forms of recreation. Viewsheds should be preserved and taken advantage of.

Methodology.

QR codes on each engagement method were tracked via UTM parameters. Total users to the site during this engagement phase was 367, between October 1, 2022 to January 11, 2023. Most users came from direct sources (i.e. typing folsomtrail.org into their browser). Ten percent (37 users) came from the pamphlet. Previous engagement materials accounted for 2%. Other referrals include: search engines – 36 users (10%), Seven Canyons Trust – 32 users (9%), social media – 27 users (7%), Salt Lake Tribune – 8 users (2%), and email – 4 users (1%).