Parkway Avenue Open Space Dispute

At a glance

What: Parkway Avenue residents dispute South Salt Lake's claim to an open-space parcel behind their homes and oppose proposed fencing on it.
Where it stands: Raised only in general public comment on July 14, 2026. No Council item or action; Young said the Council is not the primary decision-making authority for the property.
Next: Speakers asked for a future work session discussion or agenda item.

During the one-hour general comment period on July 14, 2026, five speakers addressed the parcel:

Kyra Sovronsky, a Parkway Avenue resident, raised fire risk on a South Salt Lake-owned easement and asked the Council to discuss it in a work session, pause the proposed fencing and consider community uses.
Keith Carrick, spokesperson for the Parkway Avenue Neighbors Group, disputed South Salt Lake's ownership claim and asked the Council to evaluate options to preserve, protect and improve the property.
Garett Beckler asked the City to intervene, citing fire risk and loss of existing gardens and fruit trees, and asked for a future agenda item.
Tim Valentiner, for Parkway Avenue residents, described the history and ownership of the property and raised fencing, fire safety and access concerns.
Amy Beckler said neighbors had long maintained the open space and that fencing would restrict emergency access and fire mitigation; she also asked for a work session.

Council Member Young thanked residents and said their concerns mattered although the Council is not the primary decision maker.

City Council formal meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 (approved October 6, 2026): https://slc.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument/45538

Five residents and neighborhood representatives spoke during general comments; Young responded.