Utah Lake's east shore 'dump' days numbered
$103,000 gift: Energy Solutions' donation will transform five acres into an outdoor
PROVO - Despite a biting arctic wind, hundreds gathered in Farmington on Saturday to watch dozens of bald eagles perch, eat, and soar through the clear morning skies.
A once-forgotten wasteland on Utah Lake's eastern shore is getting a $100,000 makeover.
On Tuesday, officials from EnergySolutions donated $103,000 to the Utah Lake State Park to transform the unused, unkempt land.
The five-acre parcel, just south of the Center Street harbor and park area, has remained untouched since 1983 - save the occasional dumping of tires, engine blocks and refrigerators.
"It's a forgotten piece of the state park that has become a dumping ground," said Fraser Bullock, board chairman for the EnergySolutions Environmental Foundation. "It could be a pristine area."
When finished, the outdoor classroom will feature a trail that turns into a boardwalk over the wetlands area, an amphitheater seating 50 or more, a bird-watching tower and a new pavilion.
State park crews already have launched a cleanup for the 18-month project, according to park manager Ty Hunter.
"This is geared toward school groups, but it's also for visitors," Hunter said. "It's a good thing; it's something that Utah Lake does not have."
When finished, Hunter envisions classes from Utah County schools making frequent use of the park for up-close learning about Utah Lake and its surrounding environment.
He is optimistic that students from outside the county will take advantage of the outdoor classroom as well. Members of the EnergySolutions Environmental Foundation hope for the same.
Foundation Director Pearl Wright said Utah Lake is just one of many restoration-and-enhancement projects the foundation hopes to fund. In fact, Wright and her colleagues are on the lookout for similar undertakings.
"We have more money than projects right now - unfortunately," Wright said. "This one just fit so well with our criteria it was just a no-brainer."
By Todd Hollingshead, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
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