JACKSON, Wyo. — On any given hot summer day South Park Landing rivals Sheep Gulch as one of the busiest boat ramps on the Snake River.
South Park Landing is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and managed by Teton County-Jackson Parks and Recreation Department (Parks & Rec) as a public access site. Are you aware that only half of South Park Landing is developed to its full potential? Nearly 14 acres of South Park Landing is on the west side of Highway 89 and has the potential to be developed as a riverfront park and green space. In the last decade, three other great community spaces have come to life with public support and generosity: R Park, Astoria Park & Conservancy, and, most recently, the Genevieve Block green space.
So, what does the future hold for South Park Landing? Since 1999, our community has contemplated a riverfront park and boat ramp that would occupy both sides of the highway.
In 2004, a community “gateway” park was proposed by the BLM but failed to gain local momentum. But river appreciation and use continued to grow. In 2010, our community voted in favor of the SPET #8 ballot dubbed “The Snake Can’t Wait.” Those SPET funds partially paid for the creation of the South Park Landing Boat Ramp. In 2017, an effort to develop the riverfront with a whitewater play wave stalled. Developing a consensus vision for the park has proven to be a challenge.
Today, without much public dialog, comes a new threat to this public land and open space. Now, with the South Highway 89 construction nearing completion, what should the public expect to see in the coming years? A field of grass? A developed park? Or will it become a “Labor Camp?” Yup, you read that right. WYDOT has requested permission from the BLM and Teton County to create a “labor camp.” WYDOT is seeking permission to “temporarily” house contractors working on the upcoming Highway 22/Wilson Bridge project. Is South Park Landing really the right place for 40+ house trailers? How many years will this land be a “labor camp?” Where is the potable water coming from? What about the wastewater? What about appropriate setbacks from the river and wetlands? What are the impacts for Hog Island neighbors?
For too long, the public has been promised a park on Hog Island. It is time to create a greenspace for the entire community along the river. Let’s pursue funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund, Great American Outdoors Act, SPET ballots, private philanthropy, and more to turn South Park Landing into a community park. South Park Landing – West stands to become a place where the community can wet their feet or a line, a park for Hog Island and Hoback, and a gathering space that honors the viewshed of the Snake River and southern Jackson Hole. Let’s be creative and look to R Park, Astoria, and the Genevieve Block for inspiration.
The Snake River Fund needs your support and voice to move South Park Landing – West forward. Our elected officials and county staff have turned their back on South Park Landing. WYDOT is using a “tight timeline” narrative to get their way. Jackson Hole should say “NO” to WYDOT’s poor planning and “YES” to a riverfront park.
The sooner we can get on track, the better. You can support good river stewardship and smart public access by supporting the Snake River Fund through the 2022 Old Bill’s giving season.
