Vineyard plans new multi-use trail and connections to UVU and downtown

The City of Orem Planning Commission meeting on April 16, 2025, focused on ongoing developments in local infrastructure, particularly concerning multi-use trails and connections to neighboring communities.

A significant discussion centered around the gaps in the sidewalk network near the hospital and along the freeway. Officials acknowledged that while some sections have a four to five-foot sidewalk, the area is not fully complete. Plans are in place to seek grant funding to address these gaps, although completion may be delayed until next year.

The commission also reviewed updates from the nearby city of Vineyard, which has made amendments to its trail plans. Originally, Vineyard proposed a single multi-use trail, but following discussions, they agreed to develop trails on both sides of 800 North, enhancing connectivity to their downtown area and the broader trail network that links to Utah Lake.

Vineyard's population currently stands at 16,000, and the city is working on a loop that will connect to the FrontRunner station and a future extension campus for Utah Valley University (UVU). This initiative aims to integrate various parks and greenways, including a proposed multi-use trail along Geneva Road, which will connect to existing park networks and future developments.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between Orem and its neighboring communities to improve transportation and recreational infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of connectivity for residents and visitors alike.