Call it the dog and pedal show.
Despite some yapping from hike-hungry dog owners, the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday elected not to erect a 900-foot fence -- designed to separate pooches and pedal-happy cyclists -- down the middle of the planned Parley's Trail, which will span the northern patch of Parley's Historic Nature Park.
"It's not very far-sighted," said Councilman Eric Jergensen, who pointed to City Creek Canyon as proof that bike riders and dogs can coexist. "In City Creek, we have very few complaints."
The bulk of the council agreed, suggesting instead that the trail be at least 12-feet wide --perhaps 14-feet wide -- with a soft shoulder to accommodate a wide range of pedestrians, pet owners and recreationists. The decision came as the council unanimously approved a 50-year interlocal agreement that stipulates Salt Lake County, which will fund the project, also will build and maintain Parley's Trail.
But dog owners stressed an open trail without a fence may become a free-for-all.
"Be warned that you will be getting complaints," said Polly Hart, a director of Millcreek FIDOS (Friends Interested in Dogs and Open Spaces).
The city's public services executives, along with county engineers, remain opposed to a fence. They prefer signs that would direct cyclists to yield to pedestrians and dog walkers.
Once complete, the trail will wind through Parley's Historic Nature Park and parcels east and west of Sugar House Park. It is part of a larger vision to connect the Bonneville Shoreline Trail along the east bench with the Jordan River Parkway on the city's west side.
Councilman Soren Simonsen acknowledged the dog-bike challenge, but called the trail the beginning of a network and fabric of trails connecting people to open spaces.
"There will be lots more discussions about uses and user groups at the park," he said. "Not all of that can be encapsulated in what we're doing tonight."
Because of recent economic impacts on the construction industry, county leaders now expect to complete the trail on budget.
But some questions remain. Critics wonder if dogs can be kept out of the park's wetlands area. And conversations continue about whether the popular dog hangout will remain a "dog park" long-term.
