As the longest sitting Chamber president in the state of Utah (27 years), native Steve Densley has a lot of interest in promoting more use, the history, and even new commercialization of Utah Lake.
And although preservations might take issue with some of his unvetted ideas, it’s obvious he’s passionate about making it a bigger attraction.
To get the creative juices flowing, I asked Steve to share his ideas on future recreation opportunities. In addition to expanding the trail system and further restoring the shoreline, he shared 10 and concluded with this: “These are all possibilities, and I am certain there are a great many more if we just get the right team together to brainstorm.”
After reading his, do share your own in the comments:
- I would love to see a water ski course established along with a wake board run. The thoughts of wind surfing as we now see on Deer Creek could be attracted with the right exposure.
- It would be a delight to return to a course for speed boat races from years past. At one time Utah County had more boat permits than any county in America.
- It would be terrific if we could establish a 500 yard sandy beach running north of the harbor. We could run a dike off the shore to prevent the wash away of the sand and perhaps even bring in different colored sand from several points in Utah such as the red sands of San Juan. It cold b e dotted with beach volleyball courses and cabanas.
- At the Lindon Boat Harbor we have the old Geneva Resort location. It had a train from SLC that came to the resort each weekend for dancing and parties. There is a great hot water source underground similar to the Saratoga Springs Resort that could be restored to build a Glenwood Springs Resort on the lake. It would attract those that love the mineral waters from around the west. There are numerous locations around the lake that this could be accomplished.
- I have always felt that a major tree planting project is needed around the lake to restore great groves of trees with picnic facilities and potential family spots to enjoy. The tree project could include scout projects, the Utah State Extension Services, U.S. Forrest Services as well as Tree Utah and all the cities around the lake. If we want to change the image of the lake it will be necessary to attract families and investors to establish a great quality of life enhancer and planting trees now would put us on that course.
- Restoring the old Flat Boat Dinner barge would be a great addition. There was dancing and dinner on the barge each week end and it could be a great tourist attraction.
- I would love to see the restoration of some of the spectacular air shows over the lake that were held in past years. It would seem a great deal safer over the water.
- Perhaps a glass restaurant up on stilts could bring some charm back to the beach front.
- Some great regional fishing contests could be held that may include university students.
- There is a great sailing club that meets on the lake that could be transformed into something huge.
Photo credit: Mosida Orchards
I find the title derogatory. It should probably say environmentalists rather than treehuggers. That being said, some of these items are things environmentalists would probably like such as planting trees for a picnic area, fishing, and sailing.
In years past, on the 4th of July, there used to be a fantastic fireworks show launched from the surface of the lake. They do this in Japan every year using simple flat top barges towed out on the water just off shore to set up mortars. It is great advertising for local businesses that supply the fireworks for the event as their names and business are mentioned when their fireworks are deployed. It has created a spectacular show. Some of the fireworks are exploded right on the surface of the water and are incredible! As a preamble to the fireworks, it might be possible to organize in areas near the lake activities such as boat shows, outdoor shows, car shows, etc. We used to launch our boat at AF marina and drive to Provo marina to enjoy the show. Driving your boat after dark on the lake is not an issue as the lights from the cities around the lake light the area well and boat marker lights are easily seen. Those were fun days and we loved seeing the fireworks display on the water and being with other boaters watching. It could also be watched from shore by hundreds of people also. I think there is a great opportunity there.