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 – - –