Over the past several months, Parkites have engaged in a spirited debate on Deer Valley’s proposal for a reimagined, expanded Snow Park base area to serve Park City and our visitors in the decades ahead.
Residents have taken full advantage of the many opportunities for public comment offered by the City Council, and our city’s leadership has been hard at work coordinating an agreement with Deer Valley. As the calendar turns towards December, it is time for the council to make a decision, providing clarity for Deer Valley, local businesses, and the community.
Since Deer Valley’s initial application in July 2021, Mayor Worel and the council have performed admirably, studying every legal and technical aspect of the proposal to vacate a section of Deer Valley Drive, listening to their constituents and weighing what is best for Park City. They are truly dedicated public servants.
Now, after nearly a year and a half of deliberation and discussion, their next responsibility is to act, one way or the other.
Of course, even if the council were to approve the road vacation, much more work remains. The Planning Commission would then begin its important work delving into the details of the project, and there would be further opportunity for community engagement and input. It’s time we let them get down to it.
From a broader perspective, a carefully executed municipal partnership with Deer Valley on Snow Park will be invaluable to ensuring our future as a world-class destination whose sensible growth policies balance our economy, lifestyle, and environment.
Especially with the Olympics on the horizon, we need to jump on every opportunity to work with our resorts on traffic, transportation, parking and housing solutions. The Snow Park project is just such an opportunity, unique in its scope and impact. The time is right, and Deer Valley has shown itself open to discussion, feedback and modifications.
Throughout our history, Park City’s allure has been rooted in our natural assets — from our initial mining legacy to today’s mountain town skiing paradise. It takes hundreds of dedicated businesses to keep that vibrant lifestyle and economy going.
By balancing diverse interests and keeping dialogue open in redeveloping the Snow Park base area, Deer Valley and city leadership can nourish a thriving economy for years to come while giving today’s businesses increased confidence about the future. If we do this right, it could benefit our hospitality and recreational offerings, improve transportation challenges city-wide, and move us forward as we work to create the best future possible for our community.
Should it move forward, this project has enormous potential as a sustainable ski town economic development model, providing a valuable roadmap for how we can work together to manage growth and prepare for tomorrow while at the same time easing quality of life and environmental concerns, such as traffic and transportation. It’s a chance too good to miss.
Parkites are unique in our ability to see exciting possibilities all around us while remaining fiercely clear-eyed about protecting our way of life. We are ready to move ahead.
Jennifer Wesselhoff is the president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.