In 2006, the Public Services Department, with the remarkable hands-on work of Rick Graham and Kay Christensen, augmented its admirable record of achievement by securing new market tax credit funding for the Sorenson Unity Center, which we expect will be completed this fall. The Sorenson Unity Center will be a unique, magnificent facility that will offer a remarkable range of services, programs, and facilities to the historically underserved Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods.

This year, we will begin construction of the first phase of improvements to Pioneer Park, using a plan authored by community residents and stakeholders. I appreciate the Council�s agreement to finally fund the first phase of the renovation of this severely underutilized park. Given that the Central Business District will have a population of ten thousand, with nearly five thousand housing units by 2010, and that the population of the Gateway District is expected to increase by ten to fifteen thousand over the next ten to twenty years, it is imperative that we devote the same commitment and energy to Pioneer Park as we did to Liberty Park. Much more needs to be done at Pioneer Park in order for its potential to become reality. Residents and businesses in the area surrounding Pioneer Park have taken a leap of faith by locating there, with a vision of what the area can be some day. I urge the Council to demonstrate the same level of courage, vision, and commitment in funding major improvements in Pioneer Park, as the neighboring residents and businesses have vigorously sought. This opportunity poses a choice: Either maintain the unsatisfactory status quo, or support progress toward a world-class park. I beseech the Council: Listen to the community and support this wonderful place in the heart of our city.

Our public spaces are being enlivened and utilized at historic levels. Our City Library, which opened in 2003, was named by Library Journal "Library of the Year" for 2006. The energetic leadership of Nancy Tessman has made all of that possible. We will miss Nancy and wish her the very best. That magnificent place has given patrons access to a wealth of information resources, and has become an invaluable sponsor and partner of community civic, artistic, and cultural events.

Thanks to the efforts of YouthCity, the Center for Documentary Arts, the Utah Science Center, and a devoted Board, under the leadership of Mary Tull, the Leonardo will enter the design phase this year. When completed it will be a major tourist draw, providing exciting art, science, and technology education to thousands of visitors each year. The Leonardo will be one of those places that will attract people from our area of all ages and interests repeatedly, and which visitors to our City will marvel about as they recount to others their experiences in Salt Lake City. Everything about the Leonardo signifies amazing progress for our community.