For almost 10 years, the corner of Bonanza and Kearns has been a dusty
eyesore. After much public input, this year a Bonanza Park development plan was
approved.
There are five parks in the city: Prospector, City Creek (which includes the
City Creek Bike Park), Rotary Park, City Park, and Library Field. I ride my
bicycle by all of them frequently. Rarely do I see people using four of these
parks, save the pickleball/tennis courts in City Park, and during special events
such as a concert or large picnic celebration.
The one exception is Library Field. Have you been there on a Saturday
morning? It’s difficult to find a table, as there are so many people having coffee
or a panini while their kids and dogs play in the grass. It’s a gathering spot of
young and old, made possible by its proximity to the Lucky Ones coffee shop.
We don’t need another underutilized park. We need a another gathering spot.
In 2 of the 5 acres (40 percent!) of the proposed Bonanza Park sits a
grassy central area, surrounded by housing, retail and space devoted to arts.
Traffic noise from Bonanza and Kearns would be blocked by the buildings,
enhancing peace and quiet. I’ve seen the renderings, and in my opinion, this
area will be ideal to enjoy a coffee or a beer while the kids play on the grass or
play area. The community may gather to enjoy a Mountain Town Music concert.
Many are concerned about increased traffic. John Sonntag, of the Summit
County Housing Authority, recently wrote in a guest editorial that “21,000 of our
county workforce commute daily from outside the county.”
If half of these came into the city not by cars, but by the new High Valley Transit The BOB or by living in affordable housing within the city, wouldn’t you think the traffic on 224 would be reduced?
Furthermore, given Bonanza Park’s proximity to multiple bus lines (1 Red, 2 Green, 3 Blue, 50 Teal, and 5 Yellow) use of public transit would be so easy. I often ride the bus in winter, and love that I can avoid the hassle of traffic and parking.
A few more bus stops, or minor relocation of stops may be needed, but my guess is that easy access to public transit would reduce the traffic snarl at the intersection of Bonanza and Kearns.
Park City doesn’t need another underutilized park. Park City needs a gathering spot. I support the current development plan for Bonanza Park.
Karen Zorzy
Park City