The future of Bonanza Park will soon be decided. There have already been three meetings at which residents have been able to express their opinions.

Park City now has a sensational opportunity to add culture to our town. The Kimball Art Center should be the star of the Bonanza Park development, and it should be housed in a signature building designed by progressive architects that gets attention and respect nationwide. An artistically designed building, properly promoted, will draw prominent national and international artists, and take a major step in making Park City an art lover’s destination.

Some people have expressed concern that a signature contemporary building for the Kimball might not be in keeping with the town’s history, but when the Guggenheim Museum was built in New York, believe me, it did not fit in with the neighborhood. Now it’s an international icon.

Sundance has shown the power of a single event to generate both business and positive awareness, and we absolutely want to keep it. But right now, it seems undecided, and I don’t think the closing of the Holiday Village Cinema is going to make a decision to stay here any easier for them.

There should be grand openings for artist exhibits with tons of press coverage. Not only will it draw locals but will also attract art enthusiasts from all over the country. This would be year-long, rather than a seasonal activity that could greatly help strengthen Park City’s economy during the shoulder seasons, put the town on the map as a culture center, and create additional sales tax revenue for the city.

Another benefit is that the artists who appear can add to the cultural education of our youth by giving art classes while they’re here. This was done successfully by the Park City Institute with the musicians appearing at the Eccles Center here. My wife, Elsa, and I have done several charity art shows, and virtually all artists have been happy to help kids develop an appreciation for art.  

Also, a cultural center in Park City will help balance out the year for local businesses, especially hotels and restaurants, and make it easier for them to hire and hold help, and it will provide nowhere near the inconvenience to residents that has been created by the Epic and Ikon passes. 

Local businesses need this help. Elsa and I once invested in a local adventure company and I can tell you from personal experience that once the ski season ended in the spring and when kids went back to school in September, our biggest adventure was paying our staff.

The redevelopment of Bonanza Park can continue. A prominent Kimball Art Center would occupy only a small fraction of the five acres but would bring great positive recognition to the area.

Park City is already famous for our ski areas. Now let’s add culture to that. And let’s do it right. Now!

Dick Gary

Park Meadows