MURRAY — Willow Pond will officially open on Sept. 7 with all the pageantry expected of a high-profile community event — ribbon cutting, political leaders, thank-yous and handshakes all around . . . and fish.
The fish, of course, being the main attraction for the 1,000 young anglers expected to attend Murray city's Fish Daze.
They may glance inquisitively in the direction of the podium and microphone but only for a second, and then their attention will most certainly be drawn back to the pond full of fish.
Willow Pond is a part of the new Willow Pond Park.
The pond will officially open to fishing on Sept. 7. On that day, Murray city, along with sponsors R.C. Willey and Fish Tech Outfitters, will hold Fish Daze.
Up to 1,000 young anglers, 13 and under, will be invited to participate in the fishing event. Invitations are required and are available at:
- The customer service desks at three R.C. Willey stores — South Salt Lake at 2301 S. 300 West; Murray at 861 E. 6600 South; and Taylorsville at 3915 W. 4700 South.
Fish Tech Outfitters at 6153 S. Highland Drive.
Murray Parks and Recreation in Murray Park at 330 E. Vine St.
Sessions will run every half-hour and will include an introduction to fishing by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, an opportunity to catch and keep up to two fish, a free hotdog and drink and an opportunity to win prizes.
Invitations are limited to the first 1,000 youngsters.
The DWR will plant the first load of trout in the pond just prior to the start of the event. Fishing equipment will be provided, and volunteers will be present around the pond to help rig outfits and remove fish.
The opening of the pond is a landmark in the development of urban fishing spots in Utah for youngsters.
And, says Wayne Oberg, recreation coordinator for Murray city, "A wonderful opportunity for kids to travel to a central location to fish."
It is the first urban fishery to be developed within a complex of other activities, such as baseball, soccer and volleyball.
The park itself will not open to the public until the spring of 2003. Fishing, however, will be permitted. Also, Murray city is involved in the free rod and reel checkout program. Youngsters can get the use of a rod and reel at no charge from its office within Murray Park.
Among the facilities in the park will be a Babe Ruth ball field, soccer field, playground, picnic pavilion and volleyball and basketball courts.
"It is also the first fishery in northern Utah where the whole community came together to fund and build. A lot of people were involved in developing the pond," said Tom Pettengill, sport fishing coordinator for the DWR.
After the Sept. 7 opening, the DWR has plans to stock the pond regularly with catchable trout.
"After monitoring the water this summer, we believe trout may survive during the warmer months, but they may not bite. So, what we're looking at is possibly planting channel catfish in the summer, which would give fishermen another species to fish for," he added.
The catfish would also help control unwanted intruders in the pond. Individuals have apparently been dumping unwanted aquarium fish, like gold fish and black mollies, in the pond.
Among those helping to develop the urban water, along with Murray city, are the Stonefly Society, Salt Lake County Fish and Game Association, Outdoor Resources Foundation, Nelson & Sons Silver Cup Fish Feeds and money from the Sport Fish Restoration Act.
The official part of the program will begin at 10 a.m. with the ribbon-cutting overseen by Murray Mayor Daniel Snarr.
Pettengill said there has been a lot of interest shown in the park, and he expects it will only increase once fish are planted and fishing is allowed.
For now, however, the park is officially closed to fishing until the Sept. 7 opening — then it's casting time.
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