Draper's Tree Committee and Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee are pushing back on the City Council's decision to pause a trail connection toward Alpine and Three Falls.

Committee members argued that trail loops in the Alpine/Three Falls area could keep visiting mountain bike teams off Draper's side of the hill. The loops could also open new terrain for Draper riders, according to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee's Nov. 4 meeting summary. Both panels want the council to hear their case at a possible joint meeting.

The council had directed staff to hold off on the connection, saying the original proposal mostly benefited Alpine residents.

The Tree Committee took up the topic at its Nov. 3 meeting. Official minutes and a recording have not yet been published for that session. The Parks committee discussed the same issue the following day, Nov. 4, and agreed the trail connection was worth raising with the council.

An issue description on the city's open-data site says the proposed connection would reduce user conflicts. The River to Range Trail Connection Plan Draft was last discussed May 6, according to the city's development tracker, and its status is listed as under review.

No joint meeting with the council appears on the Nov. 10 City Council agenda. It is not clear whether the committees have formally submitted the request or whether a date has been set.

Councilmember Bryn Heather Johnson reported on a recent Tree Committee meeting at the council's Oct. 6 session, according to council minutes. She said the committee was interested in providing input on city entrances.

City staff briefed the Parks committee on a busy project slate Nov. 4. Completed work includes the final phase of Jensen Farm Park, the Puerto Rico Trail, Rattler bike access and a bridge flown in by helicopter for about $50,000. Upcoming projects include the Hidden Canyon Park build, estimated at roughly $1.2 million with grant funding being pursued, and the Phoebe Brown Trail Phase 2.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at Draper City Council Chambers, 1020 E. Pioneer Road.