The existing aspen deck, originally built by the Talisker Club, is about half a mile from the “Y” intersection of Guardsman Pass Road and Pine Canyon Road.
After several harsh winters, the deck collapsed under the weight of heavy snow and is no longer structurally sound, according to a Park City staff report.
On Thursday the city council approved a contract to replace the deck with a new patio that includes a 50-foot bench, interpretive signs and an ADA-accessible 6-foot wide concrete path.
Park City Trails and Open Space coordinator Logan Jones said they hope to have the upgrades installed by August.
“It’s just going to be a community asset for years to come and something that’s going to take little maintenance,” Jones said.
The nonprofit Utah Open Lands helps Park City manage Bonanza Flat and is covering most of the $100,000 project cost.
Jones said a private donor also contributed about $30,000 for the new deck.
The Bonanza Flat open space between upper Deer Valley, Brighton and Wasatch Mountain State Park is a popular summer outdoor destination that draws thousands of hikers, mountain bikers and scenic drivers each year.
Once the snow melts Park City plans to implement paid parking at Bonanza Flat trailheads in an effort to better manage the highly-trafficked area.
As part of that plan, the city will expand the Purple bus route to provide free, direct access to Bonanza Flat. That service is expected to begin in August, according to a staff report.
Park City Municipal is a financial supporter of KPCW.
