I have been asked by several members of the community to share the realistic side of the proposals to bring a train into Park City from Salt Lake. Having extensive experience in the rail industry and being an avid reader of various publications concerning the entire rail industry, it is obvious that some of the proposals to bring rail to Park City lack sufficient realism to be seriously considered as viable options.

The first point is that rail systems cost money. By way of example, recent streetcar projects ranged from $20 million per mile in St. Louis for a one-track extension to $50 million per mile in Seattle and Tucson. These are systems where only the surface was disturbed and there was no tunneling or purchase of right of way.

The Los Angeles underground extension from the end of the Blue Line to Union Station came in at about $500 million per mile; and Toronto, Canada which had both surface and subway, came in at $400 million per mile.

If so-called heavy rail is considered the cost skyrockets even further. In San Jose, California, the BART subway ended up costing over $2 billion per mile.

None of these figures include the cost of vehicles, maintenance facilities, environmental mitigation or operating costs. According to the Federal Transportation Agency, which funded the 28 light rail vehicles currently being purchased by Salt Lake, the cost of those vehicles was $107 million alone. Those vehicles are not being designed to cover the grades necessary to reach Park City, nor are they equipped with the passenger comforts necessary for an interurban line traveling the distance proposed to be covered. 

I cannot even begin to address the environmental, design and engineering challenges. The line cannot just take a lane of the I-80 corridor. Reducing I-80 to two lanes will not address the current traffic one encounters when going into the canyon in the morning and at night. Finding another route will compel the purchase of property, the use of tunnels and dodging environmentally sensitive areas. An aerial route over I-80 will be much like the JFK Airport-Jamica AirTrain built 20 years ago which cost $1.9 billion to cover approximately four miles. 

There is nothing wrong with ideas, especially good ideas. Being realistic, however, is important.

Thomas N. Jacobson

Park City

The post A train? Let’s be realistic appeared first on Park Record.

My name is Hannah Lutzker, I was born and raised here in Park City, Utah. I grew up with a love for the snow and the mountains, from downhill skiing to long distance ultra running. Over the past decade of my life, I have trained and achieved many accomplishments that have shaped who I am today.

After becoming the Xterra Half Marathon National and World Champion at age 12, I completed Park City’s own Twisted Fork 64K at age 13. In the years to follow I ran Arizona’s Javelina Jundred three times and this January completed Across The Years 100 Mile Ultra  in 38 hours. This past summer I was able to discover my love for boxing through Rise boxing gym and the Park City Boxing club.

I am a recent graduate from Park City High School and I am now attending the University of Southern California where I am majoring in Political Science and pursuing a Pre Law track. After being chosen as Park City High School’s only representative for The American Legion Auxiliary Utah Girls State program, I knew that USC and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences would provide me with unmatchable government related opportunities. From a young age, I knew that my heart held a deep passion for aviation. Flying the Cirrus SR22T aircraft out of Salt Lake International Airport, I have experienced Utah from a new perspective, furthering my love for this state and my country. I am currently on active duty as a United States Air Force ROTC cadet for the Airmen of Troy detachment 060 at USC. The military is just one example of my motivation to help and serve others. From being a member of the National Honor Society, to volunteering time with the National Ability Center and the Christian Center of Park City, I feel blessed to be able to give back to my city and people. 

I am the Utah Chapter President of the Boxed Up Project, a youth-led non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing comfort and resources to kids and teens struggling with grief and loss. Creating toolboxes to help kids and teens process and express their feelings of loneliness, sadness and the myriad of emotions that occur when dealing with the trauma of grief and loss is our mission. At boxed up, we rely fully on generous contributions and donations from our community. One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to the creation and delivery of our boxes.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity of connecting with Rotary clubs all around Utah in hopes of sharing our goals and gaining support. The main mission of the Rotary is providing service to others. They act as leaders in our communities to help unite the people and cause a true change.

Being inspired by this mission, I spoke with the Sunrise Rotary and applied for a grant. Boxed Up Project was extremely thankful to accept a $500 check from the Sunrise Rotary as well as the opportunity to accept this check in person and speak again about who we are and what we do.

My previous box delivery went to the Sharing Place in Salt Lake City. The Sharing Place was able to provide children with our boxes as they were placed onto a wait list to be initiated into a grief support group. After much thought I decided the Peace House of Park City would a wonderful recipient of our donation. Delivering these boxes was an amazing experience, and I believe one box at a time we can help kids and teens across Utah and the country not only heal, but once again find joy and imagine a life full of possibilities.  

Hannah Lutzker

Park City

The post The Boxed Up Project  appeared first on Park Record.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation are extended to the one and only Asa Low, former Park City building maintenance worker, for his unwavering commitment to the Park City Senior Center for the past several years. Asa provided excellent support for the Senior Center by consistently attending to the maintenance needs of our historic and “over loved” facility.  He demonstrated his superior work ethic, energy and a skill set that constantly addressed the requirements of maintaining the Park City Senior Center. We could always count on Asa to go the extra mile.

We recognize that others in our community are keenly aware of Mr. Low’s talent as he has accepted a position with the Park City Fire Department. It is with a heart filled with gratitude for his service to the Park City Senior Center that we wish Asa much success and a rewarding experience with the dire department. Truly, we are blessed to have Asa Low as a valued community member!

Elizabeth Novack and the Park City Senior Citizens, Inc. board of directors

Synderville Basin

The post Thank you, Asa Low, Park City community member extraordinaire appeared first on Park Record.

As our youngest child heads off to college this week, I am reflecting on the wonderful education our children received in Park City. We are so fortunate to have educators, administrators, coaches and support staff who work very hard and truly have our students’ best interests at heart. We have strong, welcoming, and supportive school communities. One key component is our parent teacher student organizations (PTSOs).

The Park City School District has seven hardworking PTSOs which support our parents, teachers, administrators, and students. They provide programs like classroom grants, teacher meals, staff appreciation week, safe graduation events and college scholarships. They enlist parent volunteers when needed. They help build the school communities. Our PTSOs are entirely volunteer-run and are primarily funded by parent donations. PTSOs are not politically affiliated and their efforts are guided by the needs of the school.

If you have a student in the district, please take a moment to support your school’s PTSO! It’s easy to find donation information on the school websites and in back-to-school information — and annual dues are $30-40. Each PTSO has a Facebook page, a family directory, and periodic newsletters as well, so make sure you have access to those helpful resources.

In my years volunteering for several PTSOs, I frequently heard that parents did not join/pay dues because they did not have the time to volunteer. If that’s you, don’t worry! While PTSOs do ask for and appreciate volunteers, paying dues will not obligate you to volunteer.

Back to school is such an exciting time. I hope all of your students have a wonderful year!

Amy O’Reilly

Ranch Place

The post Please support your parent teacher student organizations appeared first on Park Record.

The Supreme Court of the United States has recently declared that higher education facilities — Harvard, Yale, USC — cannot use race in determining whether or not an applicant will be admitted.

Race is a slippery word and is perhaps overused. Strictly speaking, each and every one of us residing on planet Earth are of the same race: Homo Sapiens. Under the skin and including our different ethnic backgrounds we are all the same, we have the same plumbing and it is generally interchangeable. We are also able to interchangeably reproduce; another requirement to be of the same race.

Other interests amplify our cosmetic differences to separate us into tribes because a unified people are harder to control. Hopefully we can be one American people again; not tribes of hyphenated (Anglo-American, etc.) Americans.

Thomas Hurd

Thaynes Canyon

The post We’re all the same race appeared first on Park Record.

In the upcoming Park City Council primary elections, there is a candidate who embodies a refreshing blend of expertise, dedication and a true passion for the community. John Greenfield, a business owner, lawyer, and champion for non-profit causes, a candidate whose vision and capabilities are poised to make a significant impact on our beloved city’s future.

John’s decision to run for city council is not just a leap into politics; it’s a dedicated effort to contribute tangible solutions to the growth-related challenges that Park City is navigating. His conviction is grounded in his belief that he holds the keys to address these issues head-on.

In 2022, John’s commitment to public service led him to participate in a leadership program, a decision that attests to his commitment to growth and learning. The knowledge and skills he gained from this experience have prepared him to approach government and problem-solving with an informed and innovative perspective.

One of the most striking aspects of John’s platform is his advocacy for affordable housing and improved transportation options. In today’s evolving city landscape, these issues are paramount. John’s approach to responsible growth and development extends beyond mere rhetoric; he understands that every decision must consider the environment, community well-being, and the long-term interests of Park City’s residents.

Having had the privilege of interacting with John, I’ve found him to be a passionate advocate with a unique focus on empathy for all members of our diverse community. His commitment to amplifying the voices of those less heard makes him a natural choice for a community leader who truly represents the interests of every resident.

Steven Currie, owner, Summit Distillers

Park City

The post Greenfield isn’t just leaping into politics appeared first on Park Record.

In the heart of Park City, where every corner has its own story, there lies an establishment that, for me, stands as the embodiment of our town’s character — South Fork Hardware. Through the pages of The Park Record, I wanted to share my admiration for this unassuming hardware store that has, over time, woven itself into the very fabric of our community.

As a resident, I’ve seen businesses come and some history go, I’ve seen Park City evolve and transform, but few have managed to leave a lasting impact as South Fork Hardware. While the charm of Park City largely revolves around its majestic landscapes and bustling local events, places like South Fork Hardware provide an experience that’s much more intimate, tangible, and heartwarming.

I’m met with a wave of familiarity every time I walk through its doors. The creaky floors of the puzzling, matured linoleum-rich upstairs, the scent of old spills and auto belts, and the quiet rustling of bolts as customers search for that one odd size they need, all create an ambiance that feels reminiscent of a bygone era. But more than that, it’s Felix, the face behind the counter, who truly brings the spirit of the store to life. In a world that’s rapidly gravitating toward impersonal online transactions and automated customer service, having someone remember your name might seem trivial to some, but it’s everything to those of us who cherish the value of community and personal connection.

South Fork Hardware isn’t just a store; it’s a testament to Park City’s ethos. It stands as a beacon, demonstrating that while times might change, the core values of genuine service, quality, and community engagement remain steadfast. It’s these cornerstones that make establishments like South Fork Hardware more than just brick and mortar; they are the heartbeat of our town – an errand I look forward to. 

I sincerely hope that residents, both old and new, pre or post-COVID, pre or post-Olympics, take a moment to step into this unsung gem. Not just for the impeccable hardware but to soak in the experience, share a story or two with Felix, and celebrate what makes Park City truly special.

Andy Hecht

Park City

The post An ode to South Fork Hardware appeared first on Park Record.

“I don’t mean to throw shade, but isn’t he a little old for that?” My friend Matt meant no harm. He was just asking a question about another friend who has a pretty ambitious midlife goal — to become a pilot.

This got me thinking. Is there an expiration date on hopes and dreams? When we become women and men of a certain age, are we supposed to throw in the towel and head straight for the zero gravity chair on the front porch? Or can we instead throw caution and health insurance to the wind and go for it? By “it,” I mean a bold challenge — or as I like to think of it, a big, hairy, audacious goal.

The term “big, hairy, audacious goal” was coined in the book “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. The BHAG (pronounced “bee-hag”) as it’s known, is an objective that’s compelling enough to inspire people to take action. Originally intended to help investment types identify winning companies, I think it’s also a great litmus test for a life well lived — at any age.

To see if your own personal aspiration is BHAG-worthy, ask yourself a few questions, adapted from Collins and Porras’s book. Does it create forward momentum? Do you consider it exciting and adventurous? Are you willing to do whatever it takes in terms of your talent, time and energy to get after it? Did you answer yes to all of the above? Congratulations. You’ve got yourself a big, hairy, audacious goal.

For further inspiration, I turned to Parkite Jeff Previte. In his day job, Jeff is the vice chairman of an environmental and engineering consulting company. In 2021, he founded his side hustle, an organization called the Big Belt Buckle Challenge. Participants pledge to complete up to six major athletic goals in a year. We’re talking goals that are as big and hairy and audacious as they come. It doesn’t matter if you win; just complete one challenge and Jeff’s organization will award a donation to the charity of your choice. Complete all six for an even bigger donation — and a big, shiny belt buckle to rival any rodeo cowboy’s.

The most ambitious of these challenges Jeff simply calls “The Big.” This is a multi-disciplinary challenge inspired by Jackson, Wyoming’s Teton Grand Picnic — an event that is anything but. Participants kick off with a 23-mile bike ride from Jackson Town Square to Jenny Lake, swim 1.3 miles across, hike and climb to the top of the 13,775-foot Grand Teton, then turn around and climb down, swim back across the lake and bike back to where they started. Jeff, a long-time, multidisciplinary endurance athlete, completed the Picnic on August 3 in under 20 hours. Not too shabby for a dude who’s staring down the barrel of age 50.

While Jeff is no stranger to big, hairy, audacious athletic goals, none has been as challenging as sobriety. “The Big Belt Buckle Challenge is just one step at a time and see how it goes and see if I can get to where I need to be physically and mentally to succeed. You can quit if you need to. But sobriety has to be forever.”

For Jeff, getting sober and helping others do the same is motivating. “I’ve benefitted from making conscious decisions that have improved my life and health and career.”

Hey, a bunch of small wins can add up to something really, really big.

“Sharing those wins not only helps others, but it also helps me stay accountable. Seeing others grow and change inspires me to find the next game-changer in my own life.”

In the meantime, Jeff’s patience and persistence continue to pay off. Whether it’s a six-mile solo, open-water swim; climbing and skinning up and skiing down two peaks back to back, or mountain biking the grueling 164-mile La Ruta in Costa Rica, Jeff says “the give-up part rarely registers with me. If I start dragging, I repeat my mantra, This is exactly where I want to be.”

With the Big Belt Buckle Challenge, he wants to “level up every aspect of endurance sports — geography, altitude, weather, distance, disciplines. And I want to add in new dimensions in philanthropy and community-building.”

He says, “I am doing this because I like to do it. I live for both sides of the spectrum — like when I can pedal 100 miles to see Post Malone. Or, crush myself in the Tetons and sleep in a nice bed afterwards. Heart rate mayhem at a race event to a different kind of mayhem at a live concert. It’s all good,” he says, flashing a smile, his ice-blue eyes twinkling at the thought of it all.

For Jeff, a big, hairy, audacious goal is more than an athletic endeavor. It’s a way of life.

Not to throw shade, but try to keep up with that, young whippersnappers.

The post Betty Diaries: Oh, the audacity! appeared first on Park Record.

I am excited to see how the new Park Record ownership continues to evolve. One request: there was a sports page dedicated to local, regional and national events that highlighted the amazing accomplishments of our athletes. If I have it correct, there was an individual who would collect the results, but maybe they moved on?

From ski comps to swimming to figure skating, mountain biking and beyond, thorough coverage was provided. With a town that breeds success, it would be great to see these feats recognized once again. And who doesn’t like to wake up on a Saturday morning, looking for the results of the kickball rec league and seeing how Big Balls Little Kicks fared?

Brian Kahn

Park City

The post Bring back kickball scores! appeared first on Park Record.

Somehow the concept of taking a Sunday drive up to Davis County for a tasting at a local winery seemed a bit incongruous. “Are you sure they’re even open on Sunday?” my wife, Carole, asked.

It seemed worth a try. So we headed north on I-15 to Layton, grabbing breakfast at Sill’s, a local cafe hangout, warming up for our tasting with a big plate of biscuits and gravy.

Arriving at The Hive Winery and Spirits Company, we immediately felt at home. This was nothing like the local DABC outlet. Taking a page out of Greg Schirf’s Wasatch Brewing playbook, the racks of bottles carried names like Bishop’s Daughter, a pie cherry wine. Or Elder Jack, from the Church of The Hive Winery, labeled with the tagline ‘Let the Conversion Begin.’

Yes, indeed, this was all about conversion. When you enter The Hive, you need to check your paradigm of wine — the pinots, cabernets or chardonnays — at the door. This is a new world of fruit, meads and melomels.

While the recession of 2008 was changing our world, local environmental engineers Jay and Lori Yahne had a whimsical conversation about turning their hobby of winemaking into an actual business. Two years later, The Hive became a reality. Today, it offers a welcoming opportunity for a new sensory experience enjoying wines and spirits from honey and non-grape fruits — nearly all of which is sourced right here in Utah.

Our sommelier for the afternoon welcomed us into the tasting room. Michael is a gregarious figure in the winery, with an affable smile hiding under his bushy beard. A Utah native, he attended culinary school here before heading to Colorado, eventually making his way back to the Beehive state.

Before we dove into the wines and spirits, we struck a chord commiserating over the lack of originality in the craft beer industry with seemingly endless takes on IPAs.

I opted to explore a flight of wines, while Carole chose spirits. With each pour, Michael regaled us with knowledge. My first glass was a winter mead. Technically, some would say, a mead is not actually a wine. While wine is made from fruits, a mead is fermented from the sugar of honey. Call it what you wish, this was a tasty start. It was dry with the pollen bringing out just the right taste of honey.

Next I moved from honey to Utah-harvested gooseberries. The gooseberry wine had a slight orangish tint in the bottle and was nearly clear in the glass. It had a delicate taste with a robust hint of the fruit — very enjoyable! At this point, I was hooked.

Carole began her foray into spirits with a series of three brandies — apricot, plum and pear. The pear brandy had such a different flavor going into the mouth, then the aftertaste of the pear was simply sparkling — a very complex but light experience.

Having enjoyed the winter mead, I was curious what a summer version would bring. “This one reminds me of the Greek pastry baklava,” laughed Michael. “You get that nuttiness … in a bottle!” It was decidedly more robust than the winter mead. Carole compared it to her favorite after dinner liqueur limoncello, but in a more gentle way.

Michael was quick to connect his products with Utah sources and history. Like Dig It Dark, a rum-style spirit distilled from beet sugar instead of cane. “We made this one in honor of Utah,” he said. “Utah made a good living off beet sugar from 1919 to 1959. In fact, our first street in Layton — Gentile — was first paved to get the sugar back to town.”

No doubt, this was one of our more unusual Sunday Drive adventures. But it was fascinating!

Cheers!

DETAILS

How to get there: Simply head up I-15 to Layton. For a slightly longer and more scenic route, drive around on I-80 to I-84 towards Ogden. As always, let your GPS be your guide.

Logistics: Tastings are by reservation Thursday through Sunday. Check it out at thehivewinery.com. The winery store is open daily (even Sundays).

Kids: The Hive is an adult experience. But consider nearby Lagoon for the kids.

Dining: Lots of options, but we love local icons like Sill’s, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — including Sundays!

The post Sunday Drive: A new paradigm of wine appeared first on Park Record.