Salt Lake east bench land is now open space

Rocky Anderson recalls running on the trails in the foothills along Salt Lake City's east bench, dreading the day when the mountain scenery would be cluttered with homes.

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake City mayor was among those celebrating a land purchase that will prevent that from ever happening to the 12.7 acres below the "H" rock and east of Foothill Boulevard.

Salt Lake City joined forces with Salt Lake County to purchase the land using bond money approved by voters for the preservation of open space.

The city and county each put $612,500 toward the $1.4 purchase price — the city's portion coming from the $5.3 million bond approved in 2003 and the county's share pulling from the $48 million bond OK'd by voters in 2006. It's the first open-space land acquisition funded by either bond.

Utah also put $195,000 toward the project, and Highland High School boosters donated $5,000 to preserve the land in their community as open space.

"This is a cause for huge celebration," Anderson said during an outdoor press conference on the east bench. "Our open spaces in large part define the West, what it is that we all love about these places, and certainly is central to our identity as Salt Lake City residents."

Anderson said it was essential for the property to be acquired and maintained as open space because it provides access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and other areas for outdoor recreation. It's also an investment for the future of Salt Lake City, he said.

"Preservation of open space shows that we care not only about the appearance of our community but about preserving areas for recreation, for meditation, and about protecting the wild lands for enjoyment of future generations," the mayor said.

Anderson was joined by Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, who credited a collaborative effort of the city, county, state and community to make the land acquisition happen.

"These projects don't get done by one individual entity; it takes a collaboration," Corroon said.

City Councilman Dave Buhler said the city has done its best to make sure open space is preserved in the city through zoning and restrictions placed on developments.

"Ultimately, I think we've learned over time the one way to really protect land like this is to own it," Buhler said.