Kevin Rogers is tired of defending his Rose Park neighborhood.

It seems no matter how many times he tells people it is a quaint, quiet and neighborly place to live, no one believes him.

So Rogers is trying a new tactic — drawing attention to the area's positives, while trying to create some new ones and get more residents involved — through a movement called Rose Park Revival.

Rogers is part of a growing demographic in the area, people who grew up in Rose Park, moved away for schooling or work and realized they missed the feeling of community. They live in Rose Park by choice, not because they can't afford to live somewhere else.

"Younger people are moving in because it's cheap housing, only to find it's a nice place to live," Rogers said.

It's a trend longtime residents are happy to see, said Craig Ruesch, principal of Newman Elementary School and president of the LDS stake that covers the area. He says education is important to neighbors, and many are professionals with advanced degrees.

"We have young couples moving in who talk like this is home," said Ruesh, who has lived in the area for 35 years.

Surrounding freeways and golf courses create an isolated little pocket around the entire Northwest quadrant, Ruesh said, and for years, the area has been "kind of a nice secret."

Liz McConkie's Bountiful family was horrified when she moved to Rose Park 15 years ago as a newlywed. But McConkie and her husband found their fears of gangs and excessive crime to be unfounded. They bought a house and raised their five children there.

"It's a very comfortable, quiet neighborhood," McConkie said. "It's very hurtful to hear those prejudiced type of comments [from outsiders]."

Now the Revival, a "physical labor/advocacy group," is trying to use social media like Facebook and a blog to build a force for good in the community and get out the word that Rose Park is a great place to live. Busy work and family schedules keep many residents from attending community council meetings, Rogers said, leaving many families happy to help but unsure of where their skills are needed.

For too long, the neighborhood has been content to remain an isolated, hidden gem, Rogers said. Residents have yearned for more grocery stores or community events, but haven't taken the steps to bring them to the area.

"Let's change the mentality from 'let's do what we can' to 'let's do what it takes,' " Rogers said.

The group already has begun a community project list, and is soliciting volunteers to help with trash removal and improving the landscaping on the 600 North overpass. Rogers also hopes to create new cultural events like a bluegrass music festival, showcasing local talent.

Rogers tried to start a farmers' market last year, but ran into trouble when none of the neighbors wanted to sell their produce — because they had always given it away. He is trying to retool the idea into a produce exchange, where people can trade excess tomatoes for their neighbors' extra zucchini. The area's big lots mean most people have gardens and fruit trees, and are eager to share.

Salt Lake City leaders are getting on board with the movement, said Lisa Harrison Smith, spokeswoman for mayor Ralph Becker. Projects like the North Temple Grand Boulevard and regional soccer complex, while not directly in Rose Park, will bring more people to the Northwest quadrant and help the overall area. Rose Park could be the next Sugar House, Harrison Smith said, as downtown shifts to the west.

"This is a prime example of what people can accomplish," Harrison Smith said. "It's the kind of thing we'd like to see in more communities."

There is still work to be done, but Rogers is already impressed with the response and knows he can change the attitude of outsiders. He was one himself for years before moving back to Rose Park, and "we've never once regretted it."

kdrake@sltrib.com —

Get involved

Rose Park Revival is seeking volunteers to help with community projects. To learn more, visit www.roseparkrevival.blogspot.com or find Rose Park Revival on Facebook.