Salt Lake City Green Loop plans move forward with support from locals

Downtown Salt Lake City is usually bustling with activity. However, fewer than 30% of locals live within a five minute walk from open green space. 

Several locals shared their thoughts on the city’s plan to install a Green Loop. 

“I would like to see more frequent green space, more interspersed green space, so that it’s easily more accessible and I can just pop by and start walking around somewhere,” frequent park visitor and Salt Lake City native Emily Ostler said.

People who live in Salt lake City have reported wanting more trails, parks and green spaces to combat the noise and air pollution of urban living.

The city began drawing up plans for the Green Loop last spring. The plan includes more trees, shade, walking paths, and natural spaces within the busy streets. 

“It was while I was at BYU that I started going to parks a lot,” Ostler said. She would go out for picnics, journaling, to press flowers, and more.

“It was incredibly calming, made me feel alive and fresh and gave me a lot more energy to do schoolwork throughout the week,” Ostler said.

The Green Loop would offer several advantages, from additional walking and biking routes to effective storm management, the city said. It would also create an enhanced habitat for wildlife. 

Salt Lake City resident David Goodman comes to Liberty Park often to feed the squirrels, something he’s been doing for a while.

“I try to come a few times a week, maybe three or four times a week. I come to feed the squirrels … we’re best friends right now,” Goodman said. 

The city plans to release the Green Loop design for 300 East this spring. To keep up with the Green Loop, visit their site.