As Envision Utah and Salt Lake County continue to hold hearings this week seeking public input on how the 44-mile waterway that connects Utah Lake with the Great Salt Lake and runs through the heart of the Salt Lake Valley should be managed, Coffey had some suggestions. Planners hope to have a draft plan done this fall.

"I hope the quality of the water is improved," she said while enjoying Mother's Day at a Rose Park picnic area and playground next to the river filled with kids and families enjoying a blustery Sunday.

While calling the river wonderful, Coffey said she would like to see better access to the water, especially for boaters and canoeists. She would also like to see a few commercial areas where restaurants could be built right on the water.

From Rotary Park in Draper to Rose Park on the northern edge of Salt Lake City, people from all walks of life used the parkway facilities Sunday. They rode bicycles, pushed strollers and walked dogs along trails. Some enjoyed picnics and playgrounds at facilities built by cities. A few mentioned seeing wildlife and a surprising number said they were exploring the trail system for the first time.

Common complaints included fears about being accosted by the homeless, lack of good maps and disgust with dog owners who do not clean up after their pets.

Many, though, simply sang the praises of what is a popular, if incomplete, parkway.

"It would be nice if everyone was as far along as Murray," said Betsy Wade, of West Jordan, who bicycles the trail regularly with her husband, Russ, and had high praise for the section of the parkway in Murray. "It's still my favorite. I like the landscaping, the boardwalk part and the Kennecott environmental area. I see a lot of birds there. There are pelicans and fox dens."

Russ Wade said the goal of the plan should be to fill all the gaps in the trail that prevent recreation users from utilizing the entire length of the river.

"I ride it a lot," he said. "I know where the gaps are. I can't believe they haven't filled in the gaps."

Keith Richard, of Murray, would like to see the bicycle areas improved. He worries about riding his bike in the northern part of the trail system after dark because of safety concerns. But he is a regular user. Sunday was the fourth time this week he has been on the trail.

Natalie Marrott, of Salt Lake City, said there are places where the trail needs to be widened because, on busy days, things can get cramped.

"I wish dog owners would pick up after the dogs," said Julie Houston, of West Valley, who comes to the trail almost every day.

Adrian Sample, of Sandy, said gravel on the trail system makes in-line skating difficult in places.

Other regular bicyclists often complain of prickly weeds puncturing their tires, especially in the Salt Lake City portion of the parkway.

Cyclist Jay Sample said he would like to see someone use a global positioning system to map out the trails and trailheads and then post the information on the Internet. He was among many who wished there were better maps available showing where the trails go and where there are unfinished gaps.

Moving into the heart of Salt Lake City near Alzheimer's Grove, just off 300 South, Deborah Ann Mercier said she would like to see more benches, better landscaping and a sandbox provided for children.

Most users, though, are glad for the facilities that are available.

"All in all, we enjoy it," said Russ Wade, offering a common sentiment among those using the parkway and its facilities Sunday.

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* TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Workshops: Envision Jordan River

Salt Lake County and Envision Utah are holding community workshops to discuss the future of the Jordan River. All workshops begin at 6 p.m.

* Tuesday: Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City.

* Wednesday: Bluffdale Elementary, 14323 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale.

* Thursday: Saratoga Shores Elementary, 1415 S. Parkside Drive, Saratoga Springs.

For more information, see www.blueprint.slco.org.

Source: Envision Utah

Heard on the river

Recreationists gave the following suggestions on how to improve the Jordan River Parkway:

* 1. Fill in gaps that lack paved trails.

* 2. Require dog owners to clean up after pets.

* 3. Improve water quality of river.

* 4. Provide better boat access to water.

* 5. Improve law enforcement.

* 6. Remove homeless camps.

* 7. Clean gravel and weeds off trail.

* 8. Make trail wider in busiest areas.

* 9. Provide better maps.

* 10. Improve mile markers and signage.