Keeping Heber’s Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces for Families
Ask anyone why they love living in Heber, and you’ll probably hear about the mountains, the trails, or the quiet places where kids can run free and families can spend time together. Our open spaces are more than just scenery — they’re part of our identity.
But as growth continues, these spaces face more pressure than ever. Development pushes outward, traffic makes it harder to safely walk or bike, and maintenance struggles to keep pace with demand.
If we don’t make protecting our parks, trails, and open spaces a priority now, we risk losing the very things that make Heber such a special place to live.
Parks Aren’t “Extras” — They’re Essentials
Sometimes parks and trails get talked about like luxuries, as if they’re nice to have but not necessary. I see it differently.
Parks are where kids learn to ride bikes. Trails are where families walk dogs and neighbors catch up. Open spaces are where we find peace after a long day. They aren’t extras — they’re essentials for a healthy, vibrant community.
Research backs this up: communities with strong park systems see higher property values, healthier residents, and stronger community bonds. Protecting our green spaces isn’t just feel-good policy — it’s smart policy.
The Challenges Ahead
Heber’s growth is putting pressure on our outdoor spaces. We’re seeing:
Wear and tear on existing parks and trails.
Open space disappearing as development expands.
Safety concerns with traffic around popular recreation areas.
Uneven access — some neighborhoods have easy park access, while others don’t.
These challenges won’t fix themselves. They require leadership that sees outdoor spaces not as afterthoughts, but as core infrastructure.
My Priorities for Parks and Open Space
On the City Council, I’ll fight to:
Keep parks safe and clean — ensuring maintenance budgets meet the actual needs of our growing community.
Expand trail connections — linking neighborhoods, schools, and downtown so walking and biking are safe, convenient options.
Protect open space — making sure new developments include meaningful preservation and recreation areas.
Plan ahead — requiring developers to account for the impact their projects have on recreation, not just roads and utilities.
Why It Matters for Families
This isn’t just about land use. It’s about people.
When my kids play at our local park, I want them to feel safe. When families bike together, I want them to know the trails connect. When seniors go for a walk, I want them to have benches and shady spots to rest.
Open spaces are where our lives happen. Protecting them is about protecting our way of life.
Learning from Other Communities
I’ve seen what happens when parks and trails are neglected — they fall into disrepair, they feel unsafe, and people stop using them. Once that happens, the sense of community weakens.
I’ve also seen towns that invested in their parks and trails, and the difference is night and day. Families are out. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic. Neighbors know each other better. That’s the kind of Heber I want to see.
My Commitment
I’m running because I believe in protecting what makes Heber special. Our parks, trails, and open spaces are at the top of that list.
As a dad, I want my kids — and yours — to grow up with the same access to safe, beautiful, family-friendly spaces that make this valley so unique. As a council member, I’ll make sure these priorities don’t get lost in the shuffle of budgets and building permits.
Because once open space is gone, we don’t get it back.
Final Thoughts
Growth brings challenges, but it also brings opportunities. If we’re smart, we can grow in ways that actually strengthen our outdoor spaces instead of threatening them.
That means holding developers accountable, prioritizing maintenance, and making outdoor recreation part of every planning conversation.
Heber deserves parks that shine, trails that connect, and open spaces that stay open. That’s the Heber I’ll fight for — and I hope you’ll join me in making it a reality.