Wasatch Immigration Project to host one-mile community walk in Park City

Wasatch Immigration Project will host its first “Walk with WIP” charity walk on June 13 in Park City. The one-mile community event will begin at the top of Main Street and finish at Library Field. Photo: Luke Porter

The June 13 event will raise awareness and support for local families navigating the immigration system

PARK CITY, Utah — Wasatch Immigration Project will hold its first “Walk with WIP” charity walk on Saturday, June 13, offering community members an opportunity to show support for local individuals and families navigating the immigration system.

The one-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Top of Main Brew Pub parking lot. Participants will travel down Main Street to the Poison Creek Trail before finishing at Library Field, where a community celebration will include food, music, drinks from Lucky Ones Coffee, and information from local nonprofit organizations.

The Park City-based nonprofit provides pro bono and reduced-cost immigration legal services to people living in the Wasatch Back and surrounding communities. The organization also offers educational workshops, free materials, and training for volunteer attorneys.

Wasatch Immigration Project Executive Director Maggie AbuHaidar said the organization has heard growing concerns from clients amid increased immigration enforcement activity in the Wasatch Back.

“With the recent surge in ICE operations in the Wasatch Back, it is a scary time for many individuals and families who are trying to navigate the immigration system,” AbuHaidar said.

According to a recent survey conducted by the organization, nearly 80% of its clients reported changing their daily routines because of concerns about immigration enforcement.

“They are not driving, not going to the grocery store, the doctor, or their children’s school activities,” said Evelyn Cervantes, the nonprofit’s director of community engagement. “Fear is making our clients, who are already vulnerable, even more so.”

AbuHaidar said community members have contacted the organization asking how they can offer support. Wasatch Immigration Project recently held a “Know Your Rights” briefing and workshop for allies, drawing 47 participants.

“Although we do not lobby or organize marches,” AbuHaidar said, “we felt like the community needed an opportunity to stand up in support of their friends and neighbors. So we worked with the City to organize Walk with WIP. We hope Park City will show up, like they always do – and that those who are frightened right now will see that our community values them.”

Advance registration is required and will be limited to the first 100 participants. Registration costs $5 per walker or $20 per family. Check-in will take place between 8:30 and 9 a.m. at the Top of Main Brew Pub parking lot.

Organizers described the route as a gentle downhill walk along sidewalks and trails, suitable for families and people of all ages. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leashes.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs or arrive early to make one. Sign-making materials, sample messages, and assistance from alumni of the Kimball Art Center’s Young Artists’ Academy will be available. Organizers are asking participants to keep their messages positive and family-friendly.

“This event is intended to be positive vibes only – showing our vulnerable community members that we see and support them,” said Leslie Wellauer, a Wasatch Immigration Project volunteer and member of the event committee. “There are so many clever things you can say on your signs, but please try to promote love and inclusion.”

If the walk reaches capacity, community members can still attend the finish-line celebration at Library Field.

“We want this to be an event that builds community and highlights WIP, but we also want to celebrate the non-profit partners that are working so hard to support our clients – individuals and families who are being negatively impacted by recent changes to immigration policy and enforcement priorities,” AbuHaidar said.

Register here. Additional information about the Wasatch Immigration Project, volunteer opportunities, and donations is available at wasatchimmigrationproject.org.