County Mayor's Message
Oct 23, 2014 03:51PM ● By Salt Lake County Mayor Ben Mc Adams
Arts, culture, parks and recreation, Hogle Zoo, Red Butte Garden, Tracy Aviary—all these Salt Lake County offerings are cornerstones of the wonderful quality of life we enjoy here. Without you, however, none of it would survive and thrive.
We enjoy this wealth of offerings because—since 1996 —Salt Lake County has had the Zoo, Arts and Parks, or ZAP fund. When our residents pay sales tax, one penny for every $10 spent is collected for the ZAP fund, and from there, goes directly back into the community.
ZAP was renewed in 2004, by an overwhelming margin. It’s scheduled to expire in 2014, which is why in November, Salt Lake County is asking the voters to vote on a proposed ballot proposition—County Proposition 1—to renew ZAP again.
Over the summer, I’ve attended so many events where ZAP has made a significant impact. I cut the ribbon to open The Draw, beneath 1300 East at Sugarhouse Park, which is a major connection along the Parley’s Trail. I visited the Asian Festival at the South Towne Expo Center. I took my children to the new African Savannah exhibit at Hogle Zoo. I participated in Library Day at the Natural History Museum of Utah, and I attended the free film screening of a past Sundance Film Festival movie, sponsored by Red Butte Garden.
ZAP truly is you, and me, and our neighbors and friends. It means that all of us are able to enjoy a multitude of events, facilities and activities that enhance our quality of life here—many of them free of charge.
Here’s a partial list of accomplishments, thanks to ZAP:
• 13 parks and trails have been funded• 17 recreation centers have been partially funded by ZAP• More than 7 million people have benefited from an arts or cultural activity, event or performance• ZAP-funded organizations provided over 20,000 educational events• Organizations who receive ZAP funds are major contributors to Salt Lake County’s economic development, with total expenditures of more than $67 million and more than 2,000 employees• Over 24,000 people volunteer for a ZAP-funded organization
Because our residents see the direct benefit in their lives and the lives of their families—every day, every month of the year—I’m very hopeful that residents will want to see it continue. If you need more information, just log onto the ZAP website. That’s where you’ll find details about the many different recipients of ZAP funding and where you’ll learn about the free offerings made possible by your investment in your community.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting County Proposition 1 – the ZAP renewal—for another 10 years. I appreciate your past support and please let me know if you have any questions by sending me an email at [email protected].
