This petition is for the protection and preservation of existing urban features for the use of snowboarding now and for future generations at Rail Gardens. As you are aware, parks were created to preserve the splendor of America’s natural wonders. As the park system grew it began to protect not only natural wonders, but also historic places and places of recreational value.

Olympus Hills Park, popularly known as Rail Gardens, is a 31-acre park that was thoughtfully designed to overlook the city, including 8 tennis courts, 2 baseball diamonds, a playground and a natural area with walking paths.

The snowboarding culture that this park spawned has been a focal point of Salt Lake’s international reputation for over two decades. Unfortunately, despite its international fame and ability to attract youthful energy and interest in the city, it has been illegal to snowboard at Rail Gardens since fines were put into place in 2021 banning all snowboarding at the park.

Some people would argue that a snowboard specific park could be built anywhere; however, the history and impact Rail Gardens has had on snowboarding for generations cannot be moved.

I encourage that you take this request under consideration. We ask for an immediate end to the ban against snowboarding in Olympus Hills Park and that the park be left as is to: 

A) Protect the history of Salt Lake City's rich snowboarding heritage 

B) Preserve the natural street and stair aesthetic and leave the urban landscapes as is for the use of snowboarding now and for generations to come 

Salt Lake City needs to expand its idea of “historical spaces”. With a changing nation, our parks too must change to reflect the ideals and philosophies of the people. A state so rich in history must be able to appreciate that the destruction of a culture is simply not acceptable.

Salt Lake City is accredited with more firsts than can be counted. The time has come for our city to set a precedent and lead our community forward by recognizing the important role that snowboarding has played in our evolving nation to lead the conversation on diversity and accessibility to the outdoors.

As of now, accessibility for the snowboard community to Rail Gardens (Olympus Hills Park) in the winter months is extraordinarily vulnerable. Please help to preserve our rich legacy.