The Emerald Ribbon Action Plan is moving toward its first draft, representing an ambitious vision for the Jordan River, the Jordan River Parkway Trail, and Salt Lake City-owned parklands. The project focuses on a ten-mile urban river corridor through Westside neighborhoods, emphasizing the interconnected concepts of Nature, Culture, and Care.
Plan's long-term goals
As the city finalizes the initial draft, the plan serves as a roadmap for policy recommendations, maintenance guidelines, and a schedule of improvements intended to span the next decade.
Prioritizing future corridor investments
The project is designed to determine how to prioritize future investments along the Jordan River Corridor. This includes managing $9 million from the SLC Parks Bond, which voters approved in November 2022.
Connection to Reimagine Nature Plan
The initiative follows the 2022 Reimagine Nature Plan, which highlighted community priorities to restore natural habitats, create welcoming spaces, and foster community gathering areas along the Jordan River Parkway.
Phases of community engagement
The development of the plan has moved through three distinct phases of community engagement. Phase one assessed current corridor conditions, phase two developed guiding principles and concept alternatives, and phase three focuses on finalizing the corridor concept plan and developing a stewardship strategy.
Project timeline and next steps
The Emerald Ribbon Action Plan project began in July 2023 with a target completion date by the end of 2024. The first draft of the Action Plan is expected to be available in Winter 2024-2025 following collaboration between city staff, stakeholders, and residents.
