Herriman residents welcome new park

HERRIMAN — The Healthy Herriman Committee kicked off the summer season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Gold Medal Mile Walk at Rose Crest Park, 13800 S. 5600 West, May 20.

Jane Marlo, a Healthy Herriman Committee member, said the timing was ideal.

"We wanted to do it (May 20) because is was before the summer started and the weather has warmed up," she said. "That Saturday is almost the beginning of summer, and we thought this weekend would be good."

Rose Crest Park is the newest addition to the city's collection of parks. Ground was broken for the 8.5 acre park in September, and it was completed a few weeks ago. The park includes gazebos with picnic tables, a playground, two soccer fields and a half-mile paved walking trail that connects into the city's trail system.

Creating open places for residents, especially families, to enjoy is something the city is committed to doing, said Chris Hales, Herriman parks manager.

"Parks establish a place a lot of people can gather and provide a site for recreational (and) family use," he said.

By creating city parks, Herriman can keep the feeling of open space, so residents don't have to feel like they're living on top of each other, Herriman Mayor Lynn Crane said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Everyone in the valley knows where Herriman is and the fact that Herriman tries to keep the feel of open space by creating parks and a trail system," he said. "We're helping reinforce that image."

Following the park ribbon-cutting, residents were invited to participate in a Gold Medal Mile walk around the new park's half-mile trail where they received water bottles and raffle tickets.

Herriman resident Holly Carver said she got roped into attending the event as her sister was one of the event's organizers. However, she and friend Melinda Nelson, who was visiting from Coleville, Ca., thought the event would be a good Saturday activity.

"It's a nice day, and we're excited about the trail," Nelson said. "There's a lot of family-oriented activities Herriman focuses on. We thought, 'Why not bring the kids out and be healthy.' "

Annette Quinn thought the event would be something fun for the whole family to attend. Quinn's daughter, Megan, 7, was excited about going on the slide.

"There's so many parks," Quinn said, noting there's a splash park behind her house. "You can't go anywhere without seeing a park in Herriman . . . It's nice to take advantage of open space and not just have it be grass."

Healthy Herriman is part of the Southwest Valley Healthy Community Coalition, which includes Riverton and Bluffdale. Groups like Healthy Herriman have been developed in each city to sponsor programs and events that promote health, wellness and safety. Marlo said the committee will likely be holding additional events throughout the summer and another walk at the end of summer.

Jess Gomez, a Herriman resident and IHC spokesman, said events like the opening of the park and Gold Medal Mile Walk help unify the community.

"It brings the community together for a common cause," he said. "The focus on walking, exercising and developing good health habits is so important today. Herriman has wonderful resources."

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