SALT LAKE CITY — A section of Salt Lake City’s Jordan River Parkway Trail is being closed indefinitely due to environmental degradation, infrastructure challenges, and safety concerns in the Fair Park area. The closure affects the trail from 700 North to Cottonwood Park and may last “a few months.” City officials aim to remove overgrown vegetation, restore riverbanks, and improve lighting and infrastructure during this period.
Trail users are advised to take specific detours around the closure. The area has seen increasing issues related to homelessness and drug activity, with Salt Lake City Council Member Victoria Petro highlighting the role of criminal activities in creating safety concerns. Past similar closures occurred last fall, driven by illegal activities in the area.
In response to these ongoing issues, Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced a public safety plan that includes increased patrols and community outreach. A new Jordan River “team” is being formed, expected to address trail-related problems but will not be operational until the fall. Residents have expressed frustration about public safety, calling for better enforcement of existing ordinances and increased lighting to ensure the trail is safe for use.
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