They also want to see a major overhaul of Pioneer Park.

"City residents are very progressive, very optimistic," Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson said. "Unfortunately that is not reflected by some of our council members who have been tremendous obstacles to moving some of [the Pioneer Park renovations] forward."

The council has backed some upgrades for the run-down park. Work is scheduled to begin this fall on a first-phase that includes an off-leash dog park, dozens of new trees, entry plazas and a paved jogging and skating loop.

But Anderson has asked for grander amenities, including a concert stage, ice-skating rink, a small café and a new playground.

Of the 706 residents surveyed in May, 78 percent endorsed renovating the park, 54 percent supported building a stage, 58 percent wanted a café and 74 percent backed a larger play park. Only 34 percent said 'yes' to an ice-skating rink.

The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 3.75 percent. The city conducts the 100-plus question poll every two years.

A large majority of residents - 77 percent - said they strongly or somewhat agree that Salt Lake City is making gains in acceptance of religious, ethnic and cultural diversity. That's up from 65 percent in 2003.

"If we've got a sizable majority who believe we're making improvements in that area, to me, that's banner," said City Councilman Eric Jergensen. "That's one of the most important things we need to do in our city, in this diverse population. We have to respect each other."

And 63 percent of those polled said the city's staff reflects the community's ethnic, racial and cultural mix.

Respondents agreed both Anderson (70 percent) and the City Council (68 percent) provide "important environmental leadership." The residents, themselves, reported that they ride the bus, bike, walk or carpool to work more often.

And 11 percent said they xeriscape their property to conserver water.

rwinters@sltrib.com