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Sen. Bueller spotlights Parleys Canyon history and proposes Parleys Trail Project
Summary
Senator David Bueller delivered a centennial historic spotlight on Parleys Canyon, recounting pioneer roads, early industry and water development, and said he and two House members will sponsor legislation to fund a Parleys Trail Project linking multiple regional trails and neighborhood connections.
Senator David Bueller (Senate District 7) used the Senate's centennial historic spotlight to trace Parleys Canyon's role in Utah history and to announce sponsorship of a Parleys Trail Project to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections.
Bueller outlined the canyon's 19th-century development, including Parley P. Pratt's Golden Pass Road (opened 07/04/1850) and its tolls (75 cents for a two-horse outfit, 10 cents for each additional pack animal). He noted later use by the Overland Stage and Pony Express, early rail efforts in the 1880s, and mid-20th-century highway projects culminating in Interstate 80. Bueller also described early mills and industrial sites along Parleys Creek and the area's water developments, including reservoirs and conduits built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Bueller said the Canyon's natural features and historic sites are being rediscovered and said he, along with Representatives Lamont Tyler and Mary Carlson, are sponsoring legislation "to help in the funding of the Parleys Trail Project." He characterized the project as providing "pedestrian and bicycle trails and access to the Great Western, Bonneville, Shoreline, Jordan River, East Canyon, and Mountain Del Trails," and said it would create pedestrian linkages between Canyon Rim, East Mill Creek and Olympus Hills neighborhoods. He added he would introduce the measure after it is approved by the House.
Why it matters: the proposal would create new nonmotorized links between established regional trails and residential neighborhoods in Salt Lake County, potentially affecting trail access, local transportation options and park planning.
Background and next steps: Bueller framed Parleys Canyon's transportation history as the backdrop for the trail proposal and said the bill will be introduced to the Legislature after companion House approval. He did not specify funding sources or a dollar amount in his floor remarks.
Representative support: Bueller said Representatives Lamont Tyler and Mary Carlson co-sponsor the measure; no additional votes on funding or final design were recorded during the morning session.
Ending: Bueller concluded by observing the canyon's long role in Utah travel and suggested Parley P. Pratt would appreciate the modern linkages the trail project seeks to restore.
