Mapleton planning commission recommends rezoning of donated 9-acre site for Joseph James Evans Park

The Mapleton City Planning Commission on July 9 recommended approval of a rezoning and general-plan amendment that would allow a donated 9-acre parcel to become a public park named for Joseph James Evans.

Sean, a city staff member who introduced the application, said the Myers family deeded the land to the city in 2024 with the condition that it be used as a park and that the city place a sign and plaque noting the family’s donation. "They were, you know, very generous in donating that and just wanting to see it preserved as a community asset," Sean said.

Staff described the park at roughly 30% design as including soccer fields, playgrounds, restrooms and walking trails, with the main entrance off Mapleton Heights and a future entrance to connect to the Mapleton Village development to the south. Sean told commissioners that the city’s parks department and the adjacent Mapleton Village open space may provide some amenities such as additional courts if the council requests changes during final design.

Commissioners asked about parking, access and whether the city or donor had restricted uses. Sean said the Myers family placed no substantive use restrictions beyond a request for naming; the staff plan is driven by a needs assessment and prior surveys. A commissioner also asked whether the city could add pickleball courts; Sean said that is a possibility the council could consider as the final design is developed. A question about an "all-abilities" park was answered by noting the city’s bike park under construction is intended as an all-wheels facility, and that an all-abilities park is not funded at this time.

Public comment was opened and, with no speakers, closed. Commissioner S4 moved to recommend approval of the rezone and general-plan amendment; a second was given and the motion carried unanimously, forwarding the recommendation to the city council for final action.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the city council for its consideration and final decision on rezoning and the plan amendment.