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West Valley City • For years, city leaders have worked to create a downtown that would serve as a central gathering place in the community.
Last week, they officially unveiled a major element in that effort, dedicating the Promenade at Fairbourne Station and holding a picnic on the 4-acre swath of green space.
The park is part of Fairbourne Station, an urban renewal project that covers 40 acres south of 3500 South between 2700 West and 3200 West. The overall development will be built with an estimated $500 million in private investment and is expected to eventually create about 3,000 permanent jobs.
A TRAX station and a library already flank the Promenade, which boasts interactive water features. Other pieces coming to the development in the area around City Hall include a hotel, upscale apartments, retail establishments — and maybe a change in perception.
"As Utah's second-largest city continues to develop a true city center, it'll help our image," said Mayor Mike Winder.
West Valley City, which was incorporated in 1980 and has 130,000 residents, grew up as a suburban and farming community and never had an area considered a downtown. Over the years, the city gained a reputation for crime, gangs, sketchy areas and junky yards, which city officials say is unfair.
Residents agree. At the Aug. 2 dedication, Stephen Warren praised the Promenade as "a nice place to let the family relax and have fun."
"I think it will show there's a better side to the city," he said.
Barbara Castillo, who has lived in the city since 1986, said the park will improve West Valley's image if people take personal responsibility to keep it clean.
"We think it's absolutely amazing," said Carol Anderson, who was visiting the Promenade with her husband, Bob.
The two have lived in West Valley City since 1959 and voted for incorporation. Bob Anderson said he thinks the park will boost the city's reputation. Carol Anderson said it probably won't, but that doesn't change her opinion that West Valley City is a wonderful place to live.
"We've seen it grow, and we love being a city," she said.
California native Kevin Fayles said cities in his home state "would blur into one giant metropolis of sameness." West Valley City's new development stands out, he said.
"I think the Promenade and the Fairbourne Station are helping to create a gathering place for city residents," said Fayles, a longtime West Valley resident who is active in community affairs. "They are part of the city's emerging identity. My hope is that the Promenade will become a destination for residents to enjoy together."
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC —
Fairbourne Station
Visit http://www.fairbournestation.com to learn more about the development and follow its progress.