The Mapleton City Council met on October 21, 2026, to address several community topics, including proposed lighting schedules for the new Bike Park and a new memorial bench policy. Mayor Therin Garrett presided over the meeting, which included discussions on public safety, park curfews, and school development concerns.
During a work session, Parks and Recreation Director Logan Miner presented proposed lighting schedules for the new Bike Park designed to balance seasonal usage and energy conservation. The proposal includes an evening cutoff of 8:00 p.m. from March through May, 10:00 p.m. from June through November, and 6:00 p.m. from December through February. Users would activate lighting via a push-button system featuring safety warnings before the lights turn off.
Council members discussed existing lighting at Ira Allan Park's pickleball courts, which has a 10:30 p.m. cutoff, and the possibility of reducing winter hours. The discussion also touched upon the city's 11:00 p.m. park curfew and whether parking lots should face similar restrictions. The Council supported moving forward with the proposed lighting schedules while monitoring usage and gathering resident feedback.
The Council also reviewed a proposed memorial bench policy that would allow residents to honor loved ones with benches or plaques in city parks and along trails. The policy would cover eligibility, design standards, approved locations, and costs. A new bench with a plaque is estimated to cost approximately $3,000 including installation. The policy would also address maintenance and replacement costs. Staff will finalize the policy for future formal consideration.
Additionally, Best Friends Animal Society representatives Kate Hall and Bailey Tolton presented a partnership proposal to manage community cats. The program would offer spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and humane deterrents to reduce shelter intake. In 2025, 105 cats from Mapleton entered the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter, including 96 strays. The Council expressed support for exploring this partnership.
Mayor Garrett addressed public concerns regarding the proposed Louisa May Alcott Community School, noting that state law limits the city's authority to health and traffic safety matters. Residents expressed concerns regarding traffic impacts and the adequacy of studies for the 1200 North area. Additionally, Logan Miner reported that construction at the Bike Park is approximately 90% complete for concrete and 80% for trails, with a spring 2027 opening anticipated.
The Council agreed to schedule a Town Hall for November 18 at 6:00 p.m. to provide an opportunity for community discussion.
