SLCO highlights from 2023 - improved trails, mental health resources, and fiscal responsibility2/13/2024 As 2023 closes, I am thrilled to share some remarkable accomplishments that highlight the progress and success that Salt Lake County has experienced over the past year. From the pristine trails, the compassionate care for our furry friends, and an emphasis on mental health resources, Salt Lake County has truly shone in its commitment to excellence.
One of the standout achievements is the recent inauguration of the Butterfield Canyon Trail at the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Rio Tinto Kennecott, and the Bureau of Land Management, we cut the ribbon on this expansive trail on August 31, 2023. This trail, spanning 14 miles, showcases our dedication to outdoor recreation, and welcomes hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. When it comes to animal welfare, we take immense pride in Animal Services achieving a decade of no-kill status. We stand as the first capital area to reach this milestone, and one of the pioneers nationwide. Additionally, Animal Services has been recognized as the best in the state for the 15th time, showcasing our ongoing dedication to the well-being of our community's animals. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Receiving Center bridge program is now open, thanks to funding from Salt Lake County. This expansion increases access for mental health needs in our community, providing crucial support and resources for those who need it most. This location will provide service until the new mental health crisis center opens in 2025. Our Salt Lake County Library has gained national recognition from the National Association of Counties, honoring the outstanding services and resources it provides to our residents. This acknowledgment reinforces the importance of education, literacy, and community engagement. Let's not forget the heartwarming success of the Meals on Wheels program, delivering nourishment and companionship to those in need. By the end of the year Salt Lake County will have delivered more than 375,000 meals. This invaluable service supports all members of our community who may be vulnerable or isolated. Addressing the pressing issue of jail services, we acknowledge the need for expansion. As we grow and evolve, it is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. In terms of fiscal responsibility, Salt Lake County has balanced its budget while maintaining a AAA bond rating. This achievement reflects our commitment to sound financial management, ensuring stability and security for our community. Our convention centers, the Salt Palace Convention Center and the MACU Expo Center, have hosted a multitude of successful events, attracting visitors and revenue to our community. These venues continue to be vital components of our local economy and end up saving taxpayer dollars as we generate sales tax revenue from out-of-town guests. As we think about all these great things we've done, let's remember how strong and connected Salt Lake County is. We are lucky to live in this beautiful, vibrant place!
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This past month I had the opportunity to meet with a constituent to walk around Swensen Valley Regional Park and hear issues of concern. I brought our Parks and Rec team along and we were thrilled to have the Mayor also join us. Our parks have been well loved the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic as people looked for opportunities to get out of the house.
Community park spaces are a convenient, accessible place for residents to improve their quality of life. Proven benefits from time spent in parks include improved mental health, decreased blood pressure, and increased physical activity levels. Furthermore, parks improve air and water quality and can even increase property values. Many residents have said they enjoy the benefits of outdoor spaces in the company of their dogs. Dogs are allowed at all Salt Lake County parks provided they are on a leash which is controlled by the owner. In addition, there are other dog parks around the valley such as Millrace, Tanner, Sandy, Cottonwood and West Jordan Off-Leash Dog Park. The County also has an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service's Millcreek Canyon that allows dogs off-leash on the canyon trails on odd numbered days. Salt Lake County maintains more than 70 parks throughout the valley, ranging from small neighborhood parks to large regional parks, In 2020 Salt Lake County experienced a record number of people utilizing parks to recreate or as a respite from “home offices”. Currently, the number of people visiting Salt Lake County parks remains higher than pre-COVID numbers. County staff had the challenge of maintaining the parks with high usage while also facing a reduction in our operation budget. Both the county general fund and the TRCC (tourism, recreation, culture, convention) fund were forced to take drastic cuts which impacted Parks and Recreation’s level of service. Revenue from the TRCC fund comes from tourism - restaurants, car rentals and hotels. You can imagine how much this fund suffered during COVID when convention centers were not operating. Park visitors may have noticed drier grass in the parks this summer. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation implemented water conservation practices during the current drought conditions. Watering times in all parks, especially in passive areas that don’t get as much foot traffic, were reduced. The grass has been allowed to go dormant in order to reduce water consumption. Yellow is the new green, right? Additionally, irrigation systems have been upgraded to smart irrigation systems over the last few years. Smart irrigation systems monitor the weather and the moisture content in the ground to provide data on exactly how much water is needed in each park. As the seasons change, I hope you’ll take advantage of the many personal and community benefits that are offered by our County parks. For a complete list of park locations, services, and amenities, please visit slco.org/parks. |
Aimee Winder NewtonAimee Winder Newton has served since 2014 and represents Taylorsville, Murray, West Jordan, and West Valley City on the Salt Lake County Council. She was a former 2020 Republican candidate for Utah Governor and was the first woman elected as chair of the Council. Aimee works tirelessly to defend the quality of life in Salt Lake County while protecting tax dollars... [read more]
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Aimee Winder Newton | aimee winder newton: County Council district 3 |