Last updated: March 2, 2022
Article
Lions Park: A Gateway to Natural Wonders
A small town of only 5,000 people, Moab, Utah is surrounded by miles of mountain biking trails and spectacular natural areas, including city, county, and state parks, as well as two iconic national parks – Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. With its strategic location, comes 2.5 million visitors per year which causes an influx of traffic that places a significant strain on natural resources and the visitor experience.
The community of Moab requested assistance from The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) to help revitalize Lions Park, the central hub for all roadways, and make it a welcoming gateway to the city. In the planning process, the community and its regional park partners realized that Lions Park would make an excellent trail hub connecting to the region’s mountain biking trails as well as state and national parks. NPS-RTCA assisted the community in developing a steering committee of 15 partners, guided the development of design concepts and identified grant funding opportunities to implement their vision. Additionally, NPS-RTCA organized public meetings to obtain community input and support.
Lions Park was redesigned and now features ample space for parking, restrooms, a transit bus stop, and a bridge over the Colorado River that links trail users to the area’s parks. Today, Lions Park offers safe, non-motorized transportation to and from Moab, the area’s natural wonders and its many recreational opportunities.