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SALT LAKE CITY — The first of 164 new markers was installed along the Jordan River Parkway Trail on Thursday in an effort that city officials say will make the trail safer.
The markers, each of which have been assigned a number and letter, will be placed every 250 feet spanning nine miles of the Jordan River Parkway. The exact location of each marker will be entered into Salt Lake City 911’s database, making it easier for first responders to find a specific spot along the trail.
Salt Lake Mayor Jackie Biskupski climbed onto a scissor lift Thursday morning to officially install the first marker — number 38 Q — near the Fisher Mansion. The rest of the markers will be installed within the next month between 2100 South and the Davis County line.
Salt Lake City is the first community along the trail to install such markers, though officials say they hope other cities to the north and south will do the same. The first Salt Lake marker starts at 38, rather than 1, for this reason.
"I think it’s extremely important, as we are trying to make sure we can help people who might need assistance while on the trail," Biskupski told onlookers.
Lisa Burnette, 911 program director for the city, described the new marker system as "monumental," adding "we’re excited to have this available for all of the public."
Meanwhile, Biskupski has proposed allocating $1 million in city improvements funds to renovate the carriage house behind the Fisher Mansion. Trails and Natural Lands Division Director Lewis Kogan said he envisions the renovated carriage house and surrounding area as a hub for community festivals and events, nature education for local schools, and bike and kayak rentals.
"This is an incredible recreational asset that is right here in our own backyard," Kogan said of the trail. "We want this property to play an important role in this city’s future."
