Committee backs moving toward a master plan for the West/Lehi Lots, seeks design engagement and community process

Commissioners discussed long-running options for the West Lots (Lehi Lots) — a group of eight publicly owned parcels along Collins Avenue (roughly between 79th and 87th streets) — and directed staff to pursue a unified master plan and community engagement process.

Speakers emphasized the goal of preserving open space and resisting piecemeal private development. Ideas discussed included a mix of active and passive programming: expanded skate/pump-track facilities, pickleball/padel courts, micro-soccer fields, a farmers market, shade and improved amenities, and potential parking strategies to support future activation. Commissioners favored a holistic master plan rather than incremental or ad hoc improvements and suggested engaging designers with experience in successful civic parks; Savino/Miller was named as a suggested design partner given prior work in the city.

Staff noted one lot is currently under Parks inventory while other lots are managed by various agencies; procurement and engagement with design firms could proceed through the city’s rotational vendor lists or by evaluating procurement options. Commissioners asked for a town hall once draft concepts are available and instructed staff to explore procurement mechanics and possible waiver steps if staff chooses a specific firm.

Next steps: staff will reach out to potential design partners, scope a master plan, coordinate procurement options and present an initial discussion at the next land-use meeting.