I was shocked and disappointed to see the landscaping choices at the newly rebuilt Skyline High School. In a year when Utah officials are warning of extreme drought, record-low snowpack and dangerously low runoff, it is difficult to understand why large areas of brand-new lawn were planted at the front entrance and along parking lots — spaces not intended for student use.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources recently warned that 100% of Utah is in drought, with 59% in extreme drought. Officials are urging residents and public agencies to reduce outdoor watering and replace grass with waterwise landscaping. Yet this new public school appears to have ignored those priorities.
Even more troubling, I was recently informed that portions of the newly installed sod had to be replaced after vehicles drove over it. Rather than reconsidering the landscaping approach, the same high-water-use grass was simply replanted. At a time when Salt Lake City and communities across Utah are working to reduce unnecessary lawn and adapt to our arid climate, this feels out of step with reality.
Skyline High represented a rare opportunity to lead by example with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, shade trees, and outdoor spaces designed for students rather than high water use lawns in the front of the school and parking areas. Schools should model responsible stewardship, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved.
I urge Granite School District and its board members to adopt stronger waterwise landscaping standards for future projects, consider Skyline’s future landscaping, and better reflect the conservation efforts Utahns are being asked to make. This summer, Utahns will be asked to sacrifice green lawns and reduce watering. Will Skyline follow those same recommendations, or will the community instead see dark green lawns and water waste throughout the summer?
Denise Antacle, Millcreek