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John Hollenhorst ReportingA place with a rather rude nickname reopened today with a cleaned-up image and new opportunities for public enjoyment. It's an area near the Great Salt Lake that was once notorious for nudity and worse.
With a ceremonial ditching of the "No Trespassing" sign, a big chunk of shoreline is open to the public again, a place with a crummy, now-outdated reputation.
Bob Rosell: "Manager GSL State Marina: "Infamously known as Bare Bum Beach."
It had been fenced off and closed because of the people who used to visit. Hypodermic needles reflect a history of drug use. Helicopter pilots can testify to people rendezvousing for sex and nude sunbathing. The general area is still notable for out-of-control trash disposal.
Bob Rosell: "I think, for the most part, the people out here were pretty timid and kept to themselves. But it caused concerns for parents and things if they wanted to bring their children out here."
Now, the whole idea is to bring the family and enjoy a special piece of nature. A coalition of public and private entities bought the acreage and spruced the place up. Volunteers hauled out four tons of trash. Much of it is a type of wetland called a playa, mudflats used by nesting birds now protected from development.
Chris Montague, Nature Conservancy: "I think you could make the case that it's the fastest disappearing wetlands type on the Great Salt Lake system."
It's so close to downtown, they're hoping it will attract lots of people to enjoy the place, with their clothes on.
Ella Sorensen, Audobon Society: "Twelve short miles form the downtown of Salt Lake, they can leave the hustle and bustle of life and come out here to a place that's peaceful and tranquil, and find their peace."
Access is on foot only because of another old threat, off-road vehicles.
