The grand opening of the new bridge to Backman Elementary opened access to the west side of the Jordan River where a new trail, a playground, and an outdoor classroom are currently under construction to be completed this fall.
A new trail alignment for the Jordan River Parkway Trail from 500 North to the Backman Bridge – including construction of a nature playground and outdoor classroom, and installation of a new irrigation system – is currently underway.
As part of the Backman Community Open Space Project, construction started with a new footbridge over the Jordan River just south of 700 North and west of Backman Elementary School. As a result, a new trail on the west side of the river will be established. The plan also includes acquiring and installing playground equipment, putting in new landscaping and adding walking areas around the playground. In addition, there will be an outdoor classroom with seating areas, picnic tables, watchable wildlife areas, a permaculture garden and a new irrigation system.
The project, paired with the installation of a new bridge to Backman Elementary (which was completed in 2022), will add safety improvements and enhance the natural area on two acres of city open space adjacent to Backman Elementary and the Jordan River. This open space area is currently covered in thick, invasive vegetation and poses safety concerns for students; perceptions about the safety of the space mean that it is virtually unused.
“This project will transform an empty parcel into a vibrant, activated, youth-centric open space in Rose Park,” said Salt Lake City Public Land Department project leader Kat Maus. “The community has been working with the city on the vision for this space for years, and we’re so excited to finally see it crossing the finish line this fall.”
The re-route of the Jordan River Trail accomplishes several goals: first, to widen the trail to avoid user conflicts and provide more comfortable, consistent access throughout the trail corridor; second, to eliminate the need to utilize a bridge that currently does not conform to the standards of the Jordan River Parkway trail and reroute users over the new Backman Bridge; and three, the new trail alignment is in a location that allows for more activation, better sight lines, and increases safety along the corridor.
Funding for this project came from several sources, including a Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant from the State, funding from the City’s Transportation Division, remaining funding from the Bridge to Backman project, and General Obligation Bond Funding from the 2022 bond.