Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

Silver State Intl’ Rodeo – Justin Porter’s first ride – 72 pts. He was first out of 11. Only two scored. This goes to press before his second ride Tues AM. Let’s hope.

I’m getting questions about the Park Master Plan. What is it? Why do we need it? How can I get involved? The City will hire an engineer/architect to hold public hearings and get input on the three parcels the City owns and is required to maintain as parks. Because of deed conditions, or monies received from State Agencies, all three must remain parks.

First, the Fire Station will take up a chunk of land at Town Center Park. The balance of the property will remain park with the Pavilion and Monument. The Little League Field is being moved to the High School. (I’ll tell you more about that shortly). What would you like to see happen with balance of the park area? Moms with young children would like to see a toddler’s park. Others want to see it left open with grass and trees. What’s your thoughts?

Second, Mohr Christensen Park is in total disrepair. There have been several projects proposed and none have come to fruition. Some thought the lower section would be good for the Little League Field. Some thought an ATV staging area. Some thought the upper park should be repaired for the Hwy 12 traveler. What’s your thoughts?

Lastly, the Rodeo Grounds are in declining condition. The grounds must be kept for equestrian uses, but is not precluded from some other uses. What about upgrading the arena? What about a 30 x 60 building that could be used as a community center? What about renting that facility for small conventions, 4-H events, community dinners, High School rodeo events? The rental fees could help pay for the maintenance. These are all thoughts that have been discussed. You’ll get your chance to bring up your ideas at the public meetings. Watch for them.

So what about the Little League Field? There is an intergovernmental agreement between Escalante City and Garfield County School District that provides for the beginnings of a new park. The School District provides the 4 acres, the water and the mowing and watering service. The City gives $5,000 in water pipe and sprinklers of the original $7,500 requested. Garfield County Commissioners have committed the $2,500 balance. The fencing, etc. at Town Center Park will be moved to the High School by volunteers. And Munson Construction has donated the trenching service to bury the pipe. The water comes from the new well at the High School. Where it goes from here will be up to the volunteers and the parents of Little League. But it’s a great beginning to having all the parties working together.

Speaking of Little League, Denise Olsen sent me this to include:
“Escalante Little League would like to thank all the wonderful sponsors this year:
Wells Fargo Bank, Trails End Real Estate and Skyhawk Helicopters. We greatly appreciate your support. Also, a ‘great job’ to all the young athletes and a big thanks to all the coaches and parent and volunteers. It’s been a great season.” We wish them well in their ongoing efforts to bring summer baseball tournaments to Escalante.

Potato Valley Lions Club would like to thank all those that attended the July 4th dinner at the park. They served over 150 meals and made money for the new entrance signs for Escalante. They won’t have exact numbers until the final reports are in, but they’re pleased so many folks participated. Please mark your calendar for next year. Ideas abound for next year so reserve the entire weekend of July3/4 in Escalante.

Here at the Gallery, we closed for the day, and will be closed the 25th as well. Tracy and I took a ride to Hells Backbone and were delighted to find Sego Lilies in bloom at the very top. There were very few cars and we stopped at Blue Spruce Campground on the way. Babbling Pine Creek was peaceful and hundreds of buttercups colored the stream bank. The last of the Pine Drops nestled near the giant Ponderosa’s. And Cattle called their young. Red Paintbrush, Firecracker Penstemon, and Pale Violet Lupine dressed up the roadsides. Even at 10,000 ft the sun shone bright and warm. The high mountain thermals provided a cool breeze and the cliff faces reflected the morning sun. A nice ride, indeed!

More validation that the village is alive and well – and that it takes everyone in it to be a part; Good Going Doc! An email I received.
“Please pass this along to the Desert Doctor. We’re the couple from Kentucky that needed the rear tire on the Kawa. Nomad.
Thanks so much for your service, your wit, and your wonderful personality.
You were the highlight of our trip! In the twinkling of merry blue eyes (yours to be exact) you turned a very concerning situation into a memorable moment in time. We loved Utah to begin with, and now know a real person in Utah to call friend. We’ll be back to Escalante as soon as possible!
Thanks again for everything! God Bless!
Bobby and Annette Riddle
Lawrenceburg, KY”

Until Next Week – - –

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

Success – The CIB Board approved Escalante City’s request for $30,000 in matching funds for the Park Master Plan. We’ll request $15,000 from USDA and be on our way to putting together a plan for the three parks and the Little League field at the High School. After the June 25th School Board meeting I’ll give you the details of the agreement.

June 21st is the Summer Solstice, one of the pivotal points of the year. My great-grandmother believed it was the pause between a change in nature. The longest day (daylight) of the year, was an opportunity to pause and take stock of your life. The summer celebration was focused on individuality and the beginning of the path to Winter Solstice (the shortest daylight day) and the celebration of unity. They took the time to plan what they wanted to aim for in the period ahead; to gather the fruits of past efforts and emphasize generosity and benevolence. Just like Kay Brooks towing Tracy and his truck into Donnie’s when the truck wouldn’t start this morning. Thank You!

Don’t forget to plan on feasting with the Potato Valley Lions Club on July 4th, Smoked Herbed Chicken dinners with Bubba Spud Dutch Oven Potatos. All proceeds go to the construction of the “Welcome to Escalante” Signs.

Barn Stars are such fun. If you look around town you’ll see a number of different sizes, syles, and colors. They were originally used to adorn a barn and were meant to represent the mark of the builder. Having no structural purpose,t hey are mainly used for their general aesthetic appeal and are even considered lucky, akin to a horseshow mounted over a doorway. (Wikipedia) Watch for them as you Explore Escalante.

Until next week – - – - -

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

The wildflowers have been absolutely exquisite. Tracy and I have wandered around the plateau and so enjoyed the various plants in bloom. The prickly pear cactus on Smokey Mountain Rd comes in three colors. The Penstemons offer at least three colors. And the Mule Ears on Main St are so bright; they almost hurt your eyes. What a delight.

At the last council meeting Nicole Croft received the City’s support for this year’s Saturday Market. It will open July 4th weekend and go every Saturday until Halloween. Find a card table, put a fitted cover on it and get ready to buy, sell or barter goods, food stuffs and plants. Questions? Contact Nicole Croft.

Betty Alvey brought me a letter from her daughter Linda (Alvey) Stokes. Inside was a letter from Riverton City, where she lives and works, announcing her Riverton City Choice Award for Excellence in Education. In addition, the Utah Association of Family and Consumer Science Teachers (UATFACS) chose Linda as Teacher of the Year! Congratulations. Moms pretty proud and we’re very happy for all. More wonderful goodies for Story Catching.

What’s Story Catching? Digital Scrapbooking, now available at Gallery Escalante. Story Catching is based on writing more and less pictures and stickers. More info is available at the website.

Have you been to Bryce Canyon City lately? If not, you should take a ride, get a treat and visit Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Randsom Owen’s latest artwork is hanging in the lobby and they are very nice. The Hotel is pretty much complete and was very busy the day Tracy and I stuck our noses in.

Don’t forget June 19th is the recital for Evolution Dance Company, 7:00 PM at the High School.

That’s a very busy weekend in Escalante. The Orem/Sunset Heights LDS Stake are to be in the area for their Aaronic Priesthood Encampment June 16th – 20th. 16th they’ll lunch in Town Center Park and from 1:30 to 4:30 they’ll be working on various service projects, both for the US Forest Service and Escalante City. Allysia Angus and Jerry Taylor have been working on the logistics and projects to keep 350 boys and their 100 adult chaperones busy. If you have any projects you think might benefit from their service you can contact Jerry Taylor or Vicki S at City Hall.

Although I did thank the Boy Scouts and congratulate them for their various service projects, I did not acknowledge their work to have flags on Main Street for Memorial Day. This year the leaders, Tim Olson and Dale Henrie, with scouts Justin Olson, Afton Nez, Jake and Caleb Christensen made sure there were flag holders on every block, and then placed and removed flags for the weekend. Thank you each one for your efforts. Both my parents are WWII Marine Vets and appreciate when people remember their efforts through displaying the flag of our great country.

The City agenda is long and gets more complex all the time. There are two new businesses in town. Rick Howell is working on turning the big house on 300 S into a Bed and Breakfast. Although the Council approved his request for a conditional use permit and a business license, there are structural changes that need to be made to meet code. Rick indicated he’ll return for a building permit when he gets the design complete. Jeff Dunn was approved for a business license for his Handyman Business. The state has a new classification for folks that want to work for others but don’t want or need a contractor’s license. The Handyman has a license and insurance to protect the consumer for fraudulent businesses, yet does not have the same requirements as a contractor. More details available on-line at http://www.utah.gov.

Mayor Porter reported the Fire Station will go out for bid mid June and congratulated the Clinic staff for a fine BBQ.

Councilman Allen talked about the on-going drainage issues; the completion of the electrical project at the airport; and the intergovernmental agreement between Escalante City and the Garfield County School District for the Little League Field. When the final agreement is signed by all the parties I’ll tell you about it.

Councilman Graham reported on the Filtration House. The Council approved purchasing ½ Acre of land from Lenza Wilson for the Filtration House to be located next to the water tanks on the hill. In addition, Lenza will work with the City to provide utility easement for power to the filter system whenever needed. The well house, on property off Highway 12, will consist of a little larger concrete block building to secure equipment within the terms of the City’s current lease for that location.

Desert Doc gave me a whole list of people from various places, and I’ll be darned if I can find it. Sorry Doc. Needless to say, there are a ton of motorcycles in town this year and more arriving every day. Watch for them as you travel.

On Thursday, June 11th Tracy will take me to Brian Head for a meeting of the Community Impact Board. City Treasurer Ronda and I will be presenting an update on the City projects funded by them thus far and a request for $30,000 matching funds to have the City Engineer create a Park Master Plan. That would provide time for public meetings and feedback for improvements to Town Center Park, Mohr Christensen Park, the Rodeo Grounds and the Little League Field at the High School. It will provide an opportunity for folks to talk about how they’d like to see the parks used and what equipment should be there. The final designs can then be used to apply for funding for the improvements. The whole process will take 1-2 years. But it’s a start. The Gallery will be closed the 11th.
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