Springdale changes direction after residents oppose proposed usage of park’s new land

​View of Zion National Park from the George Barker River Park, Springdale, Utah, Nov. 1, 2021 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Citizens of Springdale recently voiced concern over possibly losing the tranquil nature of the George Baker River Park and opposed a proposal to build a history center in the park.

George Barker River Park in Springdale, Utah, unspecified date | Photo courtesy of Town of Springdale, St. George News

The town has purchased about an acre between the present park and a group of townhomes. The park is bordered by Springdale Boulevard to the west and the Virgin River to the east before the Chevron station heading toward Zion National Park.

“The Town Council discussed it in a meeting, and the community was very much not in favor,” said Ryan Gubler, director of parks and recreation. “Residents were very concerned about preserving the open space, which is understandable. And so the council decided they were not going to support that decision to move a new building to the River Park. And now we are going to move forward with the park expansion like we had planned.”

After June’s monthly meeting, a letter was emailed to citizens. Mayor Barbara Bruno said she no longer supports building the town’s cultural center on the land in the park.

“Based on letters I have received, phone calls and conversations with residents, I have decided I will not support the River Park location for the history/cultural center project,” Bruno said. “I have talked with other council members who, following similar conversations and letters, feel the same way.”

George Barker River Park, Springdale, Utah, unspecified date | Photo courtesy of the Town of Springdale, St. George News

Bruno said that the council and staff intend to fully engage the community in how to utilize that property best but without the history building in that location.

“We recognize that not every resident or business owner will agree with every decision the council makes,” Bruno said. “Hearing from community members who disagree with our decisions is an important part of the government process and ensures all perspectives are considered. We all want to do what is right for Springdale.”

Gubler said officials are hiring a landscape architect to provide options for expanding the park with undeveloped land. It was initially to be a home before a private party sold it to Springdale. The property is triangular, bordered on the southwest by a residential four-plex, on the east by the George Barker River Park, and on the northwest by state Route 9.

“We definitely want to keep it a space where people can go and experience open space, and they can use the area to run their dogs,” Gubler said. “The park has a very unique feel where it’s very tranquil and there by the river despite being on an extra busy road. The park is an oasis and a getaway for people.”

Gubler said parking has been a challenge and town officials will explore ways to make it more efficient. They are also exploring how to make it more accessible for those on foot. The town will have public hearings about the annexed land’s future later.

“The park has been a place where people can go and get away from the hustle and bustle of Springdale,” Gubler said. “It allows them to go across the river and hike around on some of the trails along the river. It’s just a peaceful, tranquil area that is really beloved by the community.”

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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