Copperton pushes back on countys proposed reversionary clause for park deed; officials find no recorded federal restrictions

Town Attorney Nathan Bracken briefed the council on ongoing negotiations with Salt Lake County over title transfer for portions of Copperton Park, saying county staff had inserted a reversionary clause that would revert the property to the county if it were used for anything other than a park. Bracken said the county suggested the clause might reflect historic federal funding conditions, but staff's review of the title chain found no recorded evidence of such restrictions.

Mayor Sean Clayton said the town had resisted accepting a deed with the reversionary clause and had asked county officials to identify the specific federal funding program that would require such a restriction. "They have not been able to point to a recorded restriction," Clayton said, and the council expressed frustration at the lack of documentation. Bracken noted the only park clearly tied to federal funding in county records was Big Bear Park in White City. He cautioned that an unrecorded agreement could theoretically exist but said such restrictions are typically recorded in title chains.

Council Member Kathleen Bailey and others said Copperton Park was originally developed by Utah Copper (later Kennecott) and then deeded to the county in the 1960s, reducing the likelihood that federal park grants apply. While the town has no intention of repurposing the park, Bracken said a reversionary clause would limit future flexibility and asked county staff for clearer documentation. Mayor Clayton said the town would continue negotiations and hoped the county could remove the clause so the transfer could proceed at a future meeting.

Meanwhile, the town continues to maintain insurance on the park despite the county retaining title. Council members said they could pursue reimbursement for long‑running maintenance costs if the county delays completion of the transfer.