Park City Council backs land swap proposal for over 300 acres, historic sites, and trailheads

A map showing the parcels in a proposal for a land exchange between Park City Municipal Corporation and Redus Park City, LLC. Photo: Redus Park City LLC

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Council unanimously supported a proposed land exchange with Redus Park City LLC that would bring over 300 acres of property, including three key trailheads, into city ownership.

The deal, discussed at Thursday’s City Council meeting, involves amending the 2007 Flagstaff Development Agreement, which governs land in upper Deer Valley. In return for the land and water rights, Redus proposes developing seven residential units: a three-story building with four units near Empire Lodge and three single-family homes near the Mid Mountain Trailhead.

Trailheads and Historic Sites Included

The land conveyed to the city would include the Empire Pass, Daly Canyon, and Mid Mountain trailheads. The city would also gain ownership of several historic mining sites.

“Acquiring the land at the Mid-Mountain, Daly, and Empire trailheads ensures public access is preserved in perpetuity. While much of this land is already protected under conservation easements prohibiting development, city ownership will enable proactive land management. This includes completing critical forest health projects, addressing invasive species, and preserving historic landmarks in Empire Canyon,” a statement from Park City Municipal to TownLift said.

Safety Concerns Raised Over Twisted Branch Road

Resident Mark Fischer and former Planning Commissioner John Kenworthy urged the council to use the negotiation as an opportunity to make Twisted Branch Road a public route. They argued the road, currently owned by Redus, offers a safer alternative to the narrow and dangerous upper section of state Route 224.

Fischer emphasized that Twisted Branch Road was originally built to Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) standards with the intention of becoming a public road.

Redus’ attorney, Wade Budge, said the road’s status depends on UDOT but that they were pushing for a solution.

In 2022, the Park City Planning Commission recommended that the city council require Redus to petition UDOT to take over the road, citing authority under the Flagstaff Development Agreement.

Council Unanimously Supports Proposal

Despite two members, Tana Toly and Bill Ciraco, being excused from the meeting, the remaining councilmembers voiced strong support for the proposed deal.

Councilmember Ryan Dickey highlighted the additional value of water rights included in the proposal.

Next Steps

The city and Redus will finalize a non-binding letter of intent outlining the terms of the deal. Redus’ development plans will then go through the Park City Planning Commission for review before returning to the city council for final approval.