After more than a year of anticipation and construction, Smith Ranch Park has fully opened its gates to the public. On Thursday, July 25, residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the latest addition to Eagle Mountain’s community parks.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, a children’s entrepreneur market and the opportunity to explore every detail of the newly renovated park.

Construction on Smith Ranch Park began in May 2023, following the approval of an $8.1 million bid by the Eagle Mountain City Council. Public Works Director Brad Hickman expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“This park will be another staple for residents and visitors,” says Hickman. “We want to showcase that this area protects its natural beauty while also providing amenities.”

Smith Ranch Park offers a variety of amenities catering to different interests and age groups.

Among its highlights are two multipurpose fields, pavilions for community gatherings, and a small amphitheater designed to host nature learning events. These features are intended to foster a sense of community and provide versatile spaces for recreation and education.

A distinctive aspect of the park’s design is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.

“We are always thinking about how to include residents of all abilities and how we can best incorporate that into our final designs,” Hickman added.

The park includes amenities specifically tailored to accommodate adaptive needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space.

In line with its commitment to conservation, Eagle Mountain City has partnered with the Eagle Mountain Wildlife Alliance to enhance the park’s educational value. Interpretive signage will be installed throughout the park, providing visitors with insights into the region’s rich wildlife and vegetation. This collaboration underscores the City’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area while educating the public about its ecological significance.

The integration of native plants and a dedicated walking path along the Tickville Wash further highlights the City’s conservation efforts. These elements not only enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the preservation of local flora and fauna.

“We want to partner with nature advocates because we want this park to last in its thoughtfulness and remain well-maintained over the years,” Hickman said.

Smith Ranch Park represents a significant investment in the community, providing a space where residents and visitors can connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and learn about the local environment.

Hadco will undertake essential irrigation line repairs on Pony Express Parkway and Wildcat Peak in Overland from Thursday, July 18, 2024, to Friday, July 26, 2024.

The repair work will commence daily at 8 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m., with all lanes reopening after 4:30 p.m.

During this period, the left turn lane onto Wildcat Peak will remain closed to facilitate the repairs. Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect minor delays. The project aims to enhance the irrigation system’s efficiency, ensuring better water management for the area. Eagle Mountain City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these necessary improvements are carried out.

The Eagle Mountain Public Library is rolling out a program that’s all about keeping our homes safe from radon.

The Radon Monitor Lending Program is here to help interested homeowners understand more about radon and make sure testing is taking place in homes regularly.

The aim of this program is to educate the community about the risks of radon while getting more people to test their homes for it.

Radon is a sneaky, radioactive gas that can come up from the ground into our homes and is a known cause of lung cancer. By lending out radon monitors, the library hopes to spread the word and keep the community healthy.

Testing for radon isn’t as simple as it might seem. Radon levels can change due to various factors like the weather, how well radon mitigation systems are working, barometric pressure, or even after home renovations. Traditional radon testing methods, such as charcoal kits or alpha tracks, only provide an average reading over a certain period. This can be misleading because radon levels can fluctuate a lot, being higher at night and lower during the day, or varying between seasons.

Continuous Radon Monitoring

That’s where continuous radon monitoring comes in handy. The library’s new program offers EcosenseⓇ radon monitors that collect data and give accurate, long-term radon results based on hourly readings. This way, users get a clear and ongoing picture of radon levels in their homes.

How to Borrow a Radon Monitor

The Eagle Mountain Public Library has 12 radon monitor kits ready for you to borrow. You can check them out for seven days with your library card. If all the monitors are checked out, don’t worry—you can place a hold on one, and the library will let you know when it’s your turn.

Why This Matters

This new program is set to make a big difference in Eagle Mountain by giving residents the tools and know-how to test their homes for radon accurately. More frequent and precise testing means we can better protect our homes and families from the dangers of radon.

For more details about the Radon Monitor Lending Program or to check out a device, visit the Eagle Mountain Public Library or check out their website.

Eagle Mountain City invites residents to the annual Summer Bash and Laser Show on July 27 from 4-10 p.m. at Cory Wride Memorial Park.

This family-friendly event promises an unforgettable day of fun, food and festivities for all ages.

Kick off the evening with a visit to the food trucks operating from 4-10 p.m. At 4 p.m., the kids can participate in a Patriotic Parade, showcasing their red, white and blue spirit. The Farmer’s Market, also starting at 4 p.m. and running until 8 p.m., will have handcrafted goods and unique items from local vendors for sale.

For those seeking more active fun, the bounce houses will be open from 4-8 p.m., providing hours of energetic entertainment. As the evening progresses, don’t miss the pie-eating contest at 7 p.m., where participants can compete for the title of the fastest pie eater in town.

The highlight of the night begins at 8:30 p.m. with a spectacular laser show featuring Trash Panda, promising a dazzling display that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Event Schedule:

• Food Trucks: 4-10 p.m.
• Kids Parade: 4 p.m.
• Farmer’s Market: 4-8 p.m.
• Bounce Houses: 4-8 p.m.
• Pie Eating Contest: 7 p.m.
• Trash Panda & Laser Show: 8:30 p.m.

This year’s Summer Bash and Laser Show at Cory Wride Park is set to be a memorable experience.  Be sure to bring your family and friends to join in the fun and make lasting summer memories.

Eagle Mountain City announces scheduled blast operations at the TM Crushing site on Mt. Airey Blvd. today between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Residents and businesses in the vicinity should be aware that this is a planned detonation. The City appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as these essential operations are conducted.

Eagle Mountain City is facing a critical water reduction impacting areas north of SR-73, otherwise known as Cory Wride Memorial Highway. It’s affecting around 1,200 homes. In response, the City is urgently asking residents in the affected area to refrain from watering their lawns through July 14.

The cooperation of the community is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. Without immediate action, homes in the impacted area could experience reduced water pressure and potential interruptions in water supply. Additionally, reduced water pressure can significantly impact the ability to maintain adequate fire protection, posing a potential safety risk.

To ensure compliance and protect the community’s water resources, the City is enforcing lawn watering restrictions during this period. Violations of these restrictions will be subject to penalties.

The City appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents, emphasizing that conserving water now will help ensure that those in the impacted area have access to sufficient water for essential needs.

This water reduction period is a result of extreme weather patterns and demand for water that has outpaced even the most pessimistic forecasts. Despite these challenges, the City wants to assure residents that appropriate planning has taken place for population growth.

In line with the City’s infrastructure plans, work is actively underway to complete additional wells, booster pumps, and water lines to increase water supply and resilience against future reductions. Funding infrastructure improvements is a top priority to ensure that water reductions like this do not occur in the future.

Eagle Mountain City is committed to long-term solutions and is investing in sustainable water management practices to support the growing community.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Eagle Mountain City website and following the City’s official social media channels for updates. The City appreciates the community’s efforts to conserve water and work together to address this urgent issue.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has begun improvements at the intersection of SR-73/Pioneer Crossing and SR-85 to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The work aims to alleviate congestion and improve efficiency for commuters and cyclists in the area.

Starting July 8, UDOT will begin implementing modifications, including the addition of a left turn lane, adjustments to existing pavement striping and the relocation of a bicycle lane.

These changes are expected to provide smoother transitions and reduce wait times for drivers at the intersection.

Work will be conducted from Monday to Friday, with Saturdays as needed and continue through the remainder of the summer. Standard working hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although occasional night work may occur.

Impact on Commuters

During the construction period, residents and commuters can expect several temporary changes and potential inconveniences:

• Night-time closures of the intersection at SR-73 (Cory B. Wride), SR-145 (Pioneer Crossing), and SR-85 (Mountain View Corridor) may occur. Signage will provide directions and alternative routes.
• Lane shifts and temporary barricades will be in place while new lane striping is applied and allowed to dry.
• Temporary interruptions to the existing bike lane and pedestrian crossings may also occur.

To stay updated on the project, residents can subscribe to email updates by sending an email to mvcandpioneercrossing@utah.gov with “Updates” in the subject line. Additionally, information can be accessed through the project website at www.publicinput.com/s1107. For questions or concerns, the public information team can be reached at 888-704-4276 or via email at mvcandpioneercrossing@utah.gov. UDOT appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as they work to enhance the infrastructure

Communication is vital to your family’s safety when disaster strikes. 

Make sure that your family’s emergency plan includes a communication plan, a plan for reuniting and a plan for what to do in different situations.  Create your own or download and print a plan template at www.ready.gov.

Create a Plan

Your communication plan should include contact information for family members and/or close friends in your community, as well as a nearby neighbor.  You should also establish an out-of-town contact.  You might also include contact information for schools, work, medical contacts and insurance information.

Designate Meeting Places

Choose a spot in your neighborhood where family members can gather if your home must quickly be evacuated.  Designate another location in the community to go to if family members are away from home and unable to gather at your neighborhood meeting place.  Include these on your plan.

Distribute Your Plan

Make copies of your plan and give it to everyone on your list, with instructions to keep the plan with them at all times, in a purse, wallet or backpack.  Place copies in your vehicles’ glove boxes and in your home and emergency kits.  Emphasize with everyone the need to contact one another as soon as it is safe and possible after a disaster strikes. 

Practice Your Plan

Once you have completed your plan, it’s time to practice! Practice texting and calling all contacts on your list. Practice gathering all family members at your designated meeting places and discuss how each person would get there.  After you practice, talk about how it went.  What worked well? What can be improved? What information, if any, needs to be updated?  If you do make updates, remember to print new copies of the plan for everyone.

The June 2024 edition of the Eagle’s View Newsletter is here. In this issue, we learn about the need for permits, urban wildlife and hotel feasibility in Eagle Mountain. Read here: https://bit.ly/3VLmB5i

Eagle Mountain’s Unified Fire Authority firefighters are set to receive a state-of-the-art ladder truck at Station 252.

It’s considered a significant upgrade that promises enhanced safety and operational efficiency for the city’s fire response and emergency services. The new ladder truck, costing just over $1 million, will replace the aging 2006 Seagrave with a 75-foot aerial ladder.

“This new ladder truck represents a significant upgrade for our department,” says UFA Division Chief Michael Greensides. “The improved access capabilities, combined with enhanced safety features, will allow us to serve our community more effectively.”

The existing Seagrave has served the community well but, according to UFA, has become increasingly costly to maintain.

With 5,449 engine hours and 142,968 miles, its operational expenses have escalated to $59.22 per hour or $5.45 per mile. The Seagrave’s engine is notably inefficient, consuming an average of 4.9 gallons of fuel per hour, resulting in an hourly fuel cost of $16.25. This financial strain underscores the necessity for a more efficient and modern apparatus.

The new ladder truck, equipped with a 109-foot aerial ladder, will improve access to buildings with greater setbacks and taller roofs, enhancing the department’s firefighting capabilities.

Safety during emergency responses is also prioritized with the new truck’s advanced warning lights, which can reduce brightness and slow the flashing pattern when parked at night. This feature minimizes distractions for passing motorists and enhances safety for the crew operating at emergency scenes.

“The safety of our firefighters and the public is our top priority, and this new apparatus will play a crucial role in achieving that,” says Greensides.

The new ladder truck also boasts a 400-gallon water tank, providing an initial water supply for fire attacks, and a fire pump with a minimum capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute from a standing water source.

The vehicle’s compartments are designed for greater storage capacity, accommodating more tools and equipment.

Operational ease is another highlight of the new truck, featuring a single joystick for ladder operation, replacing the older three-lever system.

In line with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which recommend that apparatus more than 15 years old be placed in reserve status if still serviceable, the old Seagrave will serve as a reserve unit.

This ensures continued operational readiness in case the new front-line ladder truck requires maintenance or repairs.

The Unified Fire Authority (UFA) placed the order for this ladder truck and an identical one for a Kearns fire station back in October 2021. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and a surge in fire apparatus orders have extended the completion timeline.

“We are very excited for this unit to arrive and provide our services with this upgraded apparatus,” added Greensides. “It has been a long wait, but the enhancements in safety and efficiency are well worth it.”

As Eagle Mountain prepares to welcome this advanced ladder truck, the community can look forward to improved emergency response capabilities.