Park City mulls another bond to purchase open space

PARK CITY (Deseret News) — Majestic mountains surrounding this tiny ski town erupt in sprays of yellow, orange and red against a background of dark pine as autumn slowly creeps in on summer.

Only clearings for ski runs and the tightly packed rooftops of homes and condos interrupt the wholesome vista. And residents here, whether they be ski bums from Mexico or farmers from old mining families, like it that way.

Since 1998, Park City has borrowed — and spent — nearly $40 million for open space in and around town limits. That spending was supplemented by $10 million from Summit County. Together, the purchases have directly checked development, according to the officials tasked with spending the money. But it's almost gone.

With only $460,000 left in the bank, residents and city officials are talking about passing another bond. They want to purchase land out from under the Sweeney family to prevent building of a massive hotel next to Park City Mountain Resort.

"That would be the one piece that citizens might rally around," said Park City environmental sustainability manager Diane Foster. "In that case, people might be willing to look at another bond."

Although one of the top reasons cited for buying open space is to control impending development, Park City isn't against growth, she said. It's simply seeking balance.

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