05/21/2025
On Wednesday, May 14th, we at Lythgoe Design Group presented a conceptual master plan to the Wasatch County Council during their public County Council Work Meeting. The full meeting is available online here (the concept presentation starts at 49:15):
https://docs.wasatch.utah.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2343&doctype=1
We want to clarify a few important points for those who weren’t in attendance or who may have concerns:
• This was an independent initiative. We were not hired or directed by Wasatch County, Heber City, the Heber Valley Railroad, or any other entity. We undertook this effort on our own because we care deeply about our community and its future.
• No official decisions were made. The concept was presented solely to spark dialogue, gather feedback, and explore possibilities. The Council gave no formal direction, and nothing has been approved or advanced beyond this early concept stage.
• Our goal is community benefit. We believe Veterans Memorial Park and the surrounding area represent a vital heart of Heber Valley — a place where residents and visitors alike can gather, play, celebrate heritage, and connect. The vision we presented focuses on making the area safer, more accessible, more vibrant, and better connected.
Key elements of the concept include:
• A new depot building and public plaza on the east side of the tracks to enhance the Heber Valley Railroad experience
• Preserving the number of baseball diamonds currently at Veterans Memorial Park. While the positions of the smaller diamonds would be altered, the number of baseball diamonds would stay the same
• Improved parking, wayfinding, ADA accessibility, and traffic calming measures to prioritize pedestrian safety
• Converting 600 West (along the tracks) into a pedestrian-oriented train platform/plaza, with rerouted traffic and better circulation
• Emphasizing open space, recreation, heritage tourism, and public gathering opportunities
We understand that change — or even the idea of change — can bring up questions. That’s why community input is not just welcomed, but essential. This is a living concept, and we look forward to hearing from residents and stakeholders. Your voices will help shape any future proposals or designs, so please reach out to your local representatives at Wasatch County and Heber City with your input and comments.
At its core, this concept is about imagining what could be possible in one of our valley’s most important public spaces — together.
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Lythgoe Design Group
