The Bonneville Shoreline Trail grew by another 2.85 miles on Saturday.

And a 20 year vision came to fruition!

INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new portion of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Hyde Park. The event was a celebration of both community and nature, complete with a fun run, breakfast, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

The nearly three-mile stretch of trail near the mouth of Hyde Park Canyon is more than just a new path; it’s a testament to the power of Intentional Leadership.

Former Hyde Park Mayor Charles Wheeler exemplified this by creating a clear vision for the community–a vision that others could rally behind. His leadership, combined with the generosity of private landowners and multiple other organizations and people, set the stage for a project that would benefit the community for years to come.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail itself has a rich history, beginning in the 1990s with the goal of providing a continuous hiking and biking trail along the Wasatch Front. Spanning six counties and stretching from Cache County to Utah County, the trail traces the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, offering both recreational opportunities and a connection to the region’s natural history.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Looking to the future, there is an ambitious plan to extend the trail further, potentially reaching as far south as Juab County and as far north as the Idaho border. The collaboration between Hyde Park, Trails Cache, North Logan, and Smithfield is a crucial part of this vision, with the current focus on developing the trail further through a $50,000 RAPZ tax-funded trail alignment study.

Turning that vision into reality required more than just a plan; it needed a focused strategy that could withstand the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise in projects of this scale. Developer Alex Bearnson, a good friend and one of my leadership coaching clients, played a pivotal role in this process. His dedication, resilience, and ability to stay the course were key to transforming ideas into a tangible, lasting resource for the community.

But beyond the strategy and vision, what truly drove this project forward was a deep connection to the WHY behind it–why it was important to create this trail and what it meant for the community. For those involved, this project wasn’t just about building a trail; it was about fulfilling a promise to enhance the quality of life, to connect people with nature, and to foster a sense of belonging in Hyde Park.

CELEBRATING THE COLLABORATION

The celebration, aptly named “Breakfast at the BST,” was held at the mouth of Hyde Park Canyon on Saturday morning. It was a well-attended event that brought the community together in a shared appreciation for the outdoors. The Cache Valley Transit District provided shuttle bus service from City Hall to the canyon, ensuring that everyone could join in the festivities.

This ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation reflects the enduring spirit of partnership and community that made the new trail segment possible–a living example of what can be achieved when intentional leadership, clear vision, and a strong sense of purpose come together.

❤️❤️❤️

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

I Love You, friend!

Les

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to focus on creating stronger collaboration in your community.

PHOTOS: Charles Wheeler & Les Patterson

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