Park City considering enhancing trail access with new trailheads near McPolin Barn

Location map of the proposed enhancements to the Meadows Drive and McLeod Creek Trailheads. Photo: Park City Municipal

PARK CITY, Utah — Two new trailheads along Meadows Drive are being considered by town officials to enhance access to the Farm and McLeod Creek trails near SR 224 in Park City. These developments aim to replace two informal trailheads with more structured and user-friendly access points.

The initiative, spearheaded by Park City’s Trails and Open Space Department and outlined in this week’s City Council Staff Report, proposes major enhancements, including the establishment of a trailhead on the south side of Meadows Drive adjacent to the Farm Trail. This new trailhead is designed to offer 19 parking spaces, including one ADA stall, and will feature a kiosk with maps and a dog waste station. Its design would allow users to pull in and back out of the parking spaces away from active traffic lanes.

The second trailhead, on the opposite side of SR 224, near the McLeod Creek Trail, would provide 11 parking spaces and similar amenities. The city has committed to plowing both parking lots during the winter months, ensuring year-round access.

The added infrastructure aims to improve safety and accessibility and provide vital information about trail use and etiquette. A significant aspect of this plan involves restoring the existing informal area on the south side of Meadows Drive to its natural state, as conditioned upon Planning Commission review.

The financial aspect of these improvements includes a $295,209.61 construction agreement with Empire Excavation & Development, LLC, overseen by the City Manager and approved by the City Attorney. The funding for these trailhead upgrades will largely come from existing impact fees, grants, and contributions from Summit County Utah Restaurant Grant, PCMC Trails Master Plan CIP, and PCMC Trail Impact and Development Fees.

While awaiting final approval from the city council and planning commission, the construction of these trailheads is scheduled to be completed in spring 2024.

The city council meeting will take place on Thursday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m.