City Council approves Bonanza Park Small Area Plan

Key recommendations for the Bonanza Park Small Area Plan. Photo: Park City Municipal

New plan to guide future development of Bonanza Park area.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Council unanimously approved the Bonanza Park Small Area Plan as a modification to the city’s general plan during a meeting held Thursday, July 11. The plan aims to guide future development in the Bonanza Park area, emphasizing mixed-use development, enhanced connectivity, and community engagement.

The council held a work session earlier in the afternoon to discuss the plan. Rebecca Ward, Park City’s planning director, presented the plan and highlighted the extensive community input it received. “We appreciate the discussion and the direction from earlier this afternoon in the work session, and we’re recommending the council consider approving this ordinance,” Ward said.

Council members discussed several aspects of the plan, particularly density bonuses, a zoning tool that allows developers to build more housing units, floor space, etc., than typically allowed in exchange for a defined public benefit.

The approved ordinance included a modification to remove specific consulting partner names from the recitals for consistency with other ordinances, which, according to Mark Harrington, city attorney, is “purely a stylistic decision.”

The Bonanza Park area, once Park City’s northern entry corridor, has transformed from its agricultural and industrial roots into a bustling mixed-use core. The new plan addresses the challenges posed by the unique street network developed along former rail lines and leverages redevelopment opportunities.

Key components of the plan include creating a safe and intuitive neighborhood for pedestrians and cyclists, integrating affordable and market-rate housing, and interweaving cultural elements and local businesses. The plan also emphasizes green spaces for community gatherings.

Mayor Nann Worel emphasized the collaborative effort in crafting the plan, stating, “This plan represents the input and vision of a broad spectrum of residents, advocates, employers, and stakeholders who participated throughout the process.”

The next steps involve working through the details of code amendments to implement the community goals outlined in the plan.

For more information on the Bonanza Park Small Area Plan, visit bonanzapark.com.