Trails, Trash & Tunes returns to Newpark for National Trails Day

The Newpark Town Center in Kimball Junction. Photo: TownLift

The June 6 event includes a community cleanup, weed pull, live music, and family activities

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit County’s Stormwater Coalition will mark National Trails Day with the return of Trails, Trash & Tunes, a community cleanup and outdoor gathering aimed at protecting local waterways.

The fifth annual event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Newpark Amphitheater. Residents are invited to help with a trash cleanup and invasive weed pull, then stay for live music, educational booths, children’s activities, food vendors, and a beer garden hosted by Offset Bier.

The Changing Lanes Experience will perform live music throughout the afternoon. A free lunch will be available to the first 50 participants, and attendees can earn raffle tickets and prizes by visiting booths staffed by local organizations and Summit County employees.

The event began with a straightforward goal: helping residents understand how everyday actions can affect the region’s water quality. That message is particularly important during a year with below-average snowpack, said Kelsey Christiansen, Summit County stormwater manager.

“This year, a lower snowpack means we have less water overall,” Christiansen said. “With a smaller volume of water, any contaminants have a much higher impact, making our collective efforts more critical than ever.”

Stormwater runoff can carry trash, oil, chemicals, and other pollutants directly into rivers, streams, and other waterways. Unlike wastewater from homes and businesses, stormwater does not typically pass through a treatment plant before entering the natural environment.

“So many people assume that stormwater goes to a treatment plant to be cleaned,” Christiansen said. “In reality, it drains directly into our waterways. When people visit our Stormwater Booth, they realize that, and their entire perspective changes.”

Summit County’s Stormwater Coalition works to protect water quality by issuing construction permits, inspecting sites for compliance, and educating residents about ways to reduce runoff pollution.

Trails, Trash & Tunes is held in conjunction with National Trails Day, an annual event organized by the American Hiking Society on the first Saturday in June. The nationwide effort encourages communities to get outside, care for trails, and participate in local stewardship projects.

Christiansen said the Summit County event is designed to combine hands-on service with a broader community celebration.

“Whether you’re picking up trash, pulling invasive weeds, or visiting our educational booths to learn how you can make a difference, your participation in Trails, Trash & Tunes is a win for our entire community,” Christiansen said.

The event is supported by Newpark HOA, Big-D Construction, Blue Sky, Park City, and Summit County. Participating partners include Recycle Utah, Republic Services, Basin Recreation, Mountain Trails Foundation, Summit Bike Share, Summit County Library, and the county’s weeds division.

Registration is free.