April 29, 2022
International Peace Gardens Temporary Art Removal

We are saddened to announce that artwork was damaged in an attempted theft at the International Peace Gardens this month. This site is an important gathering place for our diverse communities in Salt Lake City and symbolizes democracy, world peace, arts, and cultural heritage.

In the interest of protecting our shared public treasures, we will be temporarily removing a number of artworks to conduct repairs and evaluate options for better protecting their safety and security in the future. These are our shared public assets and we all play a role in stewardship and awareness of damage or theft.

If you have information about who may have damaged or attempted to steal the artwork, please call the non-emergency Salt Lake City Police Department number at 801-799-3000 and reference case number 22-39207.
Natural Area Solarizing

If you’ve been walking through Parley’s Historic Nature Park, Fife Wetland Preserve, or the Wasatch Hollow Preserve recently, you may be wondering why there’s a bunch of black plastic that’s been laid down.

SLC Trails & Natural Lands is using the sheets of plastic as a tool to solarize the weeds beneath. The heat from the sun on the plastic will heat up the soil below and kill the weeds, providing less competition for native plants that will be installed later this year.

Do you have a pesky section of weeds in your yard, or some grass you want to remove to put in a vegetable garden? Perhaps this method is for you!
Urban Forestry Tree Watering Calendar

Happy Spring! As you're watering your new spring flowers, remember to water your new trees!

Our Urban Forestry Division created a helpful calendar this year to serve as a guide for taking care of your trees.

During the month of May, newly planted trees should be watered 1 to 2 times per week.

Water the mulched area with a hose until the ground is saturated and fill the watering bag if it is empty. When it rains or snows enough to completely soak the ground, watering can either be postponed for a day or skipped.

Find additional instructions and an electronic version of the watering calendar at:
SLC Cemetery Post Memorial Day Clean-Up

Did you know at last year’s SLC Cemetery post Memorial Day clean-up, nearly 9 tons of green waste was diverted from the landfill to be composted? 

This year, the Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery are once again asking for volunteers to help separate plants and flowers (compostable waste) from their plant pots (recyclable waste) and foil and plastic wrap (trash).

Clean-Up Dates

  • Wednesday, June 8th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, June 9th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 11th 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

Looking to volunteer? Sign up here.

For more information, contact Paul Anderson at [email protected] or visit the Friends of the SLC Cemetery website. 
Virginia Street Survey

Do you use Virginia Street to access areas such as the SLC Cemetery and the Foothills trails?

Salt Lake City wants to hear from you. What do you think the City should change about Virginia Street?

Share your ideas by taking this survey.
9 Line Bike Park Now Open

Our annual spring maintenance project is complete and the 9 Line Bike Park is now open!

As a reminder, 900 S is currently under construction and no parking is available along the road. When visiting the park, limited parking is available on 700 W.
Celebrating 27 Years of Service: Lee Triplett

In April, Public Lands celebrated the retirement of long-time Salt Lake City Cemetery maintenance worker Lee Triplett!

Lee has worked for the City for 27 years in a variety of roles. He started out by working in canal maintenance and gradually transitioned into groundskeeper and maintenance worker positions with the Public Lands Department. He has a variety of useful trade skills including welding, painting, equipment operating, and working with cement.

During his time at the Cemetery, Lee has always helped visitors find gravesites and listened to the stories they had to share about their loved ones.

Congratulations Lee on a successful career! We wish you a happy retirement!
Facilities and Irrigation Updates

Public Lands is gearing up for the upcoming summer season!

Currently at the parks, all restrooms are open, drinking fountains are turned on, and irrigations lines are being tested.

As we turn on irrigation, Public Lands is developing strategies to mitigate water waste. While we monitor parks for broken sprinkler heads, prolonged watering, and other irrigation issues, we greatly appreciate community members keeping an eye out for any issues that arise.

To notify Public Lands of irrigation issues, call our office at (801) 972-7800 or use the SLC Mobile app.