We are in the process of petitioning Summit County Council for a proposal that will protect open spaces, horses, and the history of Utah. The mission of Pony Express Park is to preserve the legacy of horses in Summit County by creating a robust, multi-use, open space property to nurture the heritage of the Pony Express through hands-on learning, education, and experiences.

Why? Benefits to Summit County and Surrounding Communities

1. Historic

Utah, and specifically Summit County, has a rich history with horses. It is our privilege and obligation to preserve this beautiful horse country for future generations of humans and equines. We have an opportunity to create an interactive marker for the Pony Express route and connect to Pony Express National Historic Trail.

2. Diversity and Education 

If you're not a skier or mountain biker, Summit County can offer limited options for recreation. We have a sincere opportunity to create diverse youth and adult programs that build character, leadership, confidence, and community. Whether it be riding or therapeutic programs, the horse-human relationship has so many benefits for our youth. Pony Express Park will:

- Enlighten both our community and visitors of our unique equine heritage.

- Provide affordable and accessible year-round equestrian sport, recreation, and horsemanship to members of our community. 

- Create a new youth development program that builds character, leadership, confidence, and a sense of community.

- Meet a portion of the demand. The demand is not even close to being met and too many youth and adults are not experiencing the benefits of horsemanship.

- Educate youth in careers in agriculture, equine science, conservancy, and management.

3. Economic

Pony Express Park will bring a wide variety of programs to locals and tourists alike. It can drive more visitors to Summit County during any desired season. Each visitor and horse in Summit County has an economic benefit. In addition, Pony Express Park can be a self-sustaining property once built.4. Open Space

4. Open Space

Preserving open space and providing a new model for land conservancy would be two of the most important benefits of Pony Express Park.  As we look at Kimball Junction today with its Tech Center and many shops, it is difficult to remember back to a time in the 1990’s when there was just a fuel station, and even more difficult to remember when it was pure horse country not that long ago.  We must save land for history, heritage, and open space...and to do so, we need county and public support.

Pony Express Park Location

Summit County purchased the Parcel SS-32-C in the summer of 2022, and the anticipated connector road from Bitner Road to Silver Creek Road will bisect this previously undisturbed land. It is expected to be constructed sometime in 2023.  

Pony Express Park is proposed to be on a portion of this land that is not needed for the connector road, where there are no plans for development. In order to protect this land, and to promote the many benefits that Pony Express Park would bring to the community, please support this petition!

The historic Pony Express Station on Bitner Ranch that was in service over a century and a half ago, is just a few miles from this parcel, creating a unique opportunity for the county to preserve a piece of history.  In addition, this parcel connects to trails in Glenwild (Flying Dog) where connection to the National Historic Pony Express Trail and the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is possible. This proposed Pony Express Park could also connect the Silver Creek connector to the Rail Trail.

Pony Express Park Uses 

• Pony Express Interpretive site
• Trail System for horse riding, hiking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dogs, etc.
• Trail Connection to Silver Creek Connector (Rail Trail and Glenwild Trails)
• Learn-to-Ride and Equine Experience Programs
• Horse Shows and Clinics
• Pioneer and Pony Express Living History Experiences, Horse
• Boarding, Lessons, and Training (Western and English disciplines)
• Indoor space rentals, BMX biking, soccer, etc.
• Equine Therapy
• Dog Shows, Agility Classes, Dog Tracking
• Car Shows
• Farmers’ Markets, Gun Shows, Concerts, and Festivals
• Veterinary Services, Farrier Clinics, and Blacksmiths Competitions
• Fundraising Events

About Friends of Summit County Equines (Horses):

If you have ideas or would like to become part of movements please reach out to any of us.  In addition, please leave your email available to this petition via change.org so we can reach out to you when we have updates etc.  NO NEED TO DONTATE MONEY!!! Join facebook group Friends of Summit County Equines (Horses) | Facebook