City Cast Salt Lake
It's about to be a picnic summer, y'all
June 22, 2023
Good morning! Hey Salt Lake reader Zach S. asks, “I am looking to commission a small art piece/drawing and would love to use a local artist who does that. Are there any local artists people in SLC have commissioned work from?”
Do your thing, people! Send me an email if you have good artist recs.
What's CITY Talking About?
No … Speed Bumps?
Salt Lake City officials want to install speed bumps in the Wasatch Hollow neighborhood, and residents aren’t happy about it. An online petition to “stop the speed bumps on 1300 S.” has garnered more than 400 signatures. The pushback comes from residents who feel they weren’t involved in the vetting process for traffic-slowing measures. They also expressed concerns over noise pollution, poor drainage, icy conditions come winter time, and slower response times for first responders. [Salt Lake Tribune]
The Bible Un-Banned
Davis School District has reversed a ban on the Bible. It was pulled from elementary and middle schools after a parent filed to have the book removed due to “violent or vulgar” content. Davis School District Board Vice President Brigit Gerrard said, “The magnitude of the value of the Bible as a literary work outweighs any violence or profanity which may be contained in the book.” [KUER]
Train to Las Vegas & Boise
The Utah Department of Transportation has applied for a $500,000 federal grant to fund a project that would explore the possibility of a Las Vegas to Boise passenger rail line, with stops in Salt Lake City and other towns in Utah. The proposed route for SLC to Las Vegas is estimated to take 7-9.5 hours each way in travel time. Would you take the train to Boise or Vegas? [Salt Lake Tribune]
Zoning, Defined!
We need every tool in the toolbox to solve our affordable housing crisis. Today we are focusing on one idea: ‘missing middle housing.’ Odds are it’s already tucked in your neighborhood. By the way, have you ever heard anyone succinctly define "zoning?" On today’s episode of City Cast Salt Lake, Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson does it! [City Cast Salt Lake🎧]
Salt Lake Chatter
So many of you responded to Hey Salt Lake reader Andrea M’s inquiry about picnic spots an 85-year-old mother would love. Thank you for the great recs!
Picnic Spots
“My suggestion is 100% Liberty Park. I personally like the picnic spots in the top NE section. Iots of trees closer together for perfect hammock-hanging. This park also allows for the best people watching (anyone else see the Grim Reaper?) while also giving space for solitude. A Sunday bonus is the weekly drum circle near the pond. And not that you asked BUT for picnic food I am always partial to a good ol’ charcuterie spread (hit up Beltex Meats at the NW corner of the park). If you want to class it up, make it a sushi picnic by picking up Sushi Burrito.” — Kathryn B.
“I love picnics at Silver Lake. It’s a lovely, scenic place to beat the summer heat. There are picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot and you can take your mom on a short walk on the boardwalk if she’s up for it. Enjoy!” — Jennafer M.
“Gardner Village has a nice little area right outside the restaurant and furniture store, nice tables in the shade. There are plenty of shops to enjoy while you walk around the property!” — Penny P.
“Let’s bring back picnicking in cemeteries. Cemeteries are highly underused green spaces and there was once a great tradition of gathering in cemeteries not to mourn but to celebrate with food and drink and the company of lost loved ones.” - JTony S.
“Sandy Amphitheater Park is pretty big and has a lot of space for picnics. There's also one or two benches facing west, so you can sit and enjoy the sunset.” — Mars
“I’d recommend Washington Park. It’s usually a bit cooler in the heat of summer since it’s up in the mountains. There are plenty of tables, big trees, and open grassy areas. You also stand a good chance of seeing deer, ground squirrels, or if you’re lucky, a moose. The only downside is that dogs aren’t allowed since it’s near a watershed.” — Jessica K.
“Make a reservation for one of the City Creek Canyon picnic areas. Ideally higher up, like site 14. The views are lovely, right along the stream, and you can drive right up to the site. Prepare to lose cell service, though.” — City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta
What To Do
Kombucha For a Cause 🧡 Thursday | 5-9 p.m.
Join HEAL Utah at HK Brewing for Kombucha For a Cause. Learn about Utah’s clean air plan. A portion of sales will go to support HEAL Utah. 21+ only. [Free entry, Ballpark]
West Valley Farmers Market 🥕 Thursday | 5-9 p.m.
It’s the first day of the West Valley Farmers Market, continuing every Thursday through Oct. 5. SNAP program accepted for payment. [Free entry, West Valley]
Taylorsville Dayzz 🎆 Thursday-Saturday | Various Times
Enjoy three days of fun at Valley Regional Park. There will be a carnival, movie in the park, a Queen tribute band, fireworks, and more! [$10 for 10 carnival rides, Taylorsville]
Today on City Cast
The Affordable Housing Solution Hidden in Plain Sight
Large, towering apartment complexes are popping up all over Salt Lake City. But when it comes to addressing our affordable housing crisis, maybe we should be thinking a bit … smaller. That’s where “missing middle” housing comes in. Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson explains to host Ali Vallarta why these types of units are missing and how they fit into our housing puzzle.
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— Terina Ria
Free · Daily