Parks + Open Space
The parks and recreation element of a general plan represents an important step in the City’s efforts to enhance the public’s ability to enjoy the natural beauty and extensive recreational opportunities in the community.
SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT PLAN: Parks + Open Space
- Fruit Heights has 16.6 acres of City-owned park land in four parks:
- Nicholls Park (12 acres, community park)
- Harvey Park (4 acres, neighborhood park)
- Creekview Park and Ellison Farms Park (0.3 acres each, local parks)
- The City provides 2.7 acres of park land per 1,000 residents (2020 population of 6,101). That is at the low end of the Wasatch Front communities compared, which range from 2.8 to 8.0.
- Residents are generally satisfied with parks. They prefer improving existing parks over expanding the system, and want more shade, furnishings, and courts such as pickleball.
- Most neighborhoods are a short drive from a park, but the northeastern part of the city lacks parks within walking distance.
- The City has no tennis, pickleball, or sand volleyball courts, only one basketball court, and only one multipurpose field. Baseball fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and restrooms are adequate.
- Bringing existing parks up to standard requires 2 pickleball courts, 2 tennis courts, 2 multipurpose fields, 1 volleyball court, 1 basketball court, and 2 walking paths. The estimated cost is about $650,000.
- To keep the current level of service, the plan calls for 3.7 more acres by 2030 (population 7,500) and additional acreage by 2050 (population 9,000). The plan’s 2050 figure contains a math error and is being corrected.
- The Bonneville Shoreline and Bair Creek trails are only partially built. Trailheads exist at the mouth of Bair Canyon, Fruit Loops Mountain Bike Park, and Nicholls Park.
- Residents want stronger trail connections to parks and the foothills, plus sidewalks in neighborhoods and along key corridors.
- The proposed trail network includes about 6 miles of paved trail, 1 mile of unpaved trail, and 5 enhanced crossings, estimated at $1.73 million.
- The foothills and Bair Creek are central to community identity. Open space has no set standard and is acquired as opportunities arise, with priority on natural drainages and agricultural land.
CURRENT PLAN GOAL SUMMARY: PARKS + OPEN SPACE
1. Assure that residents have adequate access to parks
- Maintain 2.7 acres of park land per 1,000 residents, adding 3.7 acres by 2030 and more by 2050.
- Upgrade existing parks and adopt minimum park standards as City policy or ordinance.
- Acquire land for future parks as soon as possible, including through annexation negotiations.
- Work with developers to integrate parks and open space into new neighborhoods.
2. Maintain a high standard of park maintenance
- Establish an annual budget for maintenance and park upgrades.
- Rest sports fields regularly to prevent overuse.
- Keep an up-to-date inventory of parks and facilities.
- Plant more shade trees and add "self-maintain" amenities such as trash cans and pet waste stations.
3. Increase the amount and variety of natural open space
- Acquire open space as opportunities arise, focusing on natural lands, drainage corridors, and agricultural land.
- Adopt ordinances restricting development on environmentally sensitive land.
- Add interpretive signage and outdoor education features while keeping spaces accessible.
- Work with Bair Creek property owners to create a connected trail and linear open space.
4. Implement the recommended trail facilities
- Task the Planning Commission with developing the trail system.
- Install the proposed trail network by build-out and publish trail maps in print and online.
- Coordinate with Davis School District on Safe Routes to School.
- Maintain trails through weed control, trash removal, winter plowing, and an "Adopt a Trail" program.
5. Promote water conservation and urban forestry in parks
- Use drip irrigation, moisture sensors, central controls, and water-wise plants.
- Balance manicured lawn with natural areas around park edges and trail corridors.
- Acquire canal water shares to switch parks from culinary to secondary water.
- Plant street trees in park strips and adopt a tree ordinance.
6. Preserve and enhance historic open spaces and landmarks
- Preserve historic agricultural, cultural, and open space landmarks where feasible.
- Add interpretive signage and historic markers.
7. Gain public access to land managed by other agencies and owners
- Work with federal agencies to secure and keep trail access to Wasatch Mountain forest lands.
Key Exhibits: PARKS + OPEN SPACE
Map 6.1 Existing Parks
Map 6.2 Proposed Parks
Map 6.3 Proposed Trail Network
