Residents living east of Liberty Park may now have a more pleasant view from their front window with the completion of the city's latest beautification project: a landscaped median on 700 East.
The median, which spans the east side of Liberty Park between 900 South and 1300 South, has been raised and planted with trees to expand the natural environment of the park, encourage the liveability and walkability of the area and provide a buffer from traffic to the adjacent neighborhood.
Both traffic and safety have been concerns in the area, especially as 700 East was became a replacement for I-15 during its reconstruction a few years ago, said Pamela Pedersen, president of the East Liberty Community Organization, which has been heavily involved in the project.
"It's like having a freeway in your front yard. Nothing like looking out the front window and seeing an eight-lane freeway," she said.
The median eliminated two lanes of traffic and became a buffer zone for traffic and those wanting to cross the street.
"It provides a buffer for the traffic and helps create cooler, cleaner air," said Jill Remington Love, the Salt Lake City Council member for the area. "Trees add so much to a neighborhood."
While it isn't preferred to have people cross the busy street between intersections, it happens, especially with the long distances between traffic lights and the bus stops in the middle of the stretch, Pedersen said.
"If they had to stop and wait (before the median was completed), there was only a narrow platform for them to stand on," she said.
The median provides a place for them to wait safely while crossing the street. City officials hope to eventually extend the median to 2100 South, but in the meantime, they're grateful for the cooperation they've seen in the community for this portion of the project.
"This is a time for celebration not only of this project but for the community coming together," said Mayor Rocky Anderson.
The $400,000 project is a culmination of four years of work and cooperation between city residents, the Utah Department of Transportation and the city. UDOT partnered with the community to plan and design the project and secured a $320,000 federal grant. The city provided an additional $60,000, and the East Central Community Council provided a $20,000 loan, which the East Liberty Park Organization is raising funds to repay.
Donations were requested at the 9th and 9th Street Fair Sept. 17 and are still being accepted. They can be mailed to Pamela Pedersen at 440 E. 100 South, Suite 207, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Any questions residents may have about the project can be e-mailed to Pedersen at pamela.pedersen@slc.k12.ut.us
E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com