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For years it's been known for drug problems and violence. Now city leaders say they're working on a new plan to turn Pioneer Park around.
This morning's Farmers Market was crowded with vendors and shoppers as usual. But this year, those shoppers are noticing something different.
"You can tell on Saturdays they've changed things a lot," shopper Tony Beacher said.
Police say they've noticed a drop in illegal activity in the park and attribute that to a three-phase program designed to bring in everday people.
"It's a place I would feel comfortable taking my kids," said Salt Lake police Detective Andy Jackson. "The criminal element that hide in the park, [and] use the homeless population as cover, seem to find a different place because they don't feel comfortable around the legitimate use."
City leaders and police say it's more events like the Farmers Market, that will continue to improve the park. So, their new plan is a film series.
Salt Lake City is partnering with the SLC Film Center to bring a new movie to the park every Friday in August. If city leaders can get the sponsorship, their plan is to pick "art-house" films, rated PG or PG-13, and show them on an outdoor screen while people picnic.
They hope the program will help change the population and feel of the park to one similar to that of Saturday morning Farmers Markets.
Police say they've noticed a decrease in illegal activity in the park with the addition of a new dog park and bocci courts.
The city still has two more phases of improvements for the park, including a stage, volleyball courts and playgrounds.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
