Payson has two beautiful large parks and several smaller parks. Presently, the MHA has announced that it is currently in the process of building a large “park” on Mud Springs Road that will have some features that our current parks have and much more. The Town has witnessed the progress of the newly constructed park and the Town has been provided general park plans showing the anticipated design features. However, the Town has been purposely excluded from the plan review and field inspection process of Granite Dells Park project.
Once the MHA park is completed, the plan, as I understand, is to turn it over to the Town to run and maintain it. Without specific and detailed plans there is no way to estimate the cost of operating the park, but the costs will be high. Recently, the Roundup reported on the vandalism taking place in our existing parks, especially Rumsey Park. Our Police Chief has stated he has placed officers in the park but has not been able to completely stop the destruction which usually occurs at night. He does not have the manpower to cover the parks at all times. So, our Town Council is going to take on another park on the edge of town which will be a challenge to patrol. The Town will also be responsible to cover all costs of repairs and damage. And if we are having damage done to Rumsey in the middle of town, what do you think will happen to a park at the edge of town??
Has any parent been thinking about how the kids are going to get to this new park? It is being built at the edge of town and the shortest way to get there is Granite Dells Road, a road badly in need of reconstruction with currently no bike lanes or even a sidewalk. As one who worked in traffic safety for 25 years, I would NEVER certify that road as safe for bike or pedestrian traffic.
If I, with my extensive background in traffic safety, were to give the Town Administration and the Town Council my advice, I would recommend and advise they NOT accept the MHA park and the responsibility for the children’s safety. The MHA has millions and can use such to keep the park up and adequately protect their assets.
Thanks for listening and hopefully our town government will do the right thing for the kids, the Town, and the parents. Let your voice be heard.
Thomas Loeffler. Payson
★ ★ ★ ★
