The public has their say on a project aimed at shaping the future of the Jordan River

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — The stretch of Jordan River from SR-201 to 5400 South could look a lot different in the future.

The initiative with the participation of local self-government bodies, public organizations and residents of five municipalities is aimed at shaping the future of the Jordan River.

The Central Jordan River Restoration is an attempt to revitalize the regional park along the river.

The new regional park will cover five cities: South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Murray, West Valley and Taylorsville. It would also include Little Cottonwood Creek, Big Cottonwood Creek and Mill Creek, which are tributaries of the Jordan River.

On Monday, the first of five public workshops allowed the public to review the project plans and provide input.

Daniel Krimmel came to a workshop at the Granite Branch of the Salt Lake County Library.

“I thought it would be cool to have an amphitheater, like a little small community amphitheater along the river,” Krimmel said. “It has a lot of potential for development, you know? I think they can do a lot of interesting things.”

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation officials explained why this project is so important.

“The Jordan River is a beautiful asset, and it’s an asset to our community, and sometimes maybe that perception has been … the river can be a little dirty in certain areas, or maybe it seems unsafe in certain areas,” said Dustin Wiberg, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Planner. “It’s important in all aspects: revitalization, recreation, ecology, bringing people to the river so they can understand this wonderful resource that’s right in our backyard.

Overall, the Middle Jordan River Restoration Project involves a 14-month public engagement and planning process, with a final plan to be released next year.

Four more community workshops are planned, including one Tuesday evening at the Wheeler Historic Farm Activity Barn in Murray, starting at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the project, you can visit centraljordanreconnect.com.