Council adopts Parks, Trails and Open Space master plan and agrees it supersedes prior parks plan

The Tremonton City Council voted to adopt ordinance 26-12, adding a Parks, Trails and Open Space master plan chapter to the city's comprehensive plan and clarifying the new plan supersedes previous parks plans. Staff presented key findings — the city currently provides about 2.4 park acres per 1,000 residents versus a national guideline of 13 acres, three geographic access gaps to be addressed by planned park projects, and strong resident support for improved trail connectivity and recreational amenities.

"The most important thing to plan for now is acquiring land for future," the parks presenter said, framing the plan as an implementable roadmap including chapters on design, trails and funding priorities. Staff highlighted that the plan sets standards and a framework for budgets and implementation and recommended pursuing grant opportunities alongside local funding strategies.

Council authorized staff to pursue language for a 0.1% recreation, arts and parks tax (RAP) that would be considered countywide and, if necessary, by the city ballot in 2027; staff estimated that full adoption locally could bring roughly $300,000 annually to parks and recreation if worded for city-only revenue. A council member moved that the ordinance be adopted and explicitly supersede prior parks plans; the motion passed on roll call. Staff will incorporate the new chapter into the comprehensive-plan text and present SMART goals and review timelines at a future meeting.