Bigger talks with the zoo have centered on a multimillion-dollar joint project between the Sunnyside Avenue attractions. Discussions have centered on a pedestrian bridge running over the street, but Ivory notes a tunnel may be more aesthetically pleasing. Emigration Canyon and even This Is the Place Heritage Park's property are popular spots for canyon recreationists, and Ivory says, "We're sensitive that people like to walk, jog, bike through this area."

Cliff Harris, the park's event coordinator, said new leaders and a redefined mission have been "refreshing." Dahl is aiming for a broader definition of the area's history, which Harris said is an exciting notion to staff.

"The perception is that it's only a Mormon story," Harris said. "Matt recognizes that the story is much broader. There's also other stories to tell."

Currently, 49 bus tours and 13 private showings have been booked for the park's history-telling musical of the state, "Utah, Welcome Home."

While the park's history is rooted in Mormon pioneers, Ivory said it's appropriate that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have control, like it does at other living-history church sites in Nauvoo, Ill., and Kirtland, Ohio. In Utah, the story of the Mormons, Ivory said, is told through the Latter-day Saint Church's downtown properties, like Temple Square.

"There's a religion story, but that story quickly becomes the history of this area," he said. "People come to This Is the Place to find out about Utah."

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com