Generations of Utahns from across the state have fond summer memories of Salt Lake City's Liberty Park. The park, which got its start due to the foresight of Brigham Young in 1860, is today enjoyed by thousands of people, both young and old, who come there for family picnics to morning jogs.

Could local leaders create a Liberty Park for the Tooele Valley? The idea is not so far fetched as it may seem at first glance.

Parks are primarily a matter of long-term vision. Last week, we lauded former Tooele City Parks and Recreation director Joe Busico for his vision, tenacity and tireless work in making Elton Park what it is today: the finest park in Tooele Valley. Likewise, Tooele City officials, in particular City Attorney Roger Baker, have made a strong push in recent years to preserve open space -- some of it for future parks -- within the city.

Any regional valley park would require similar dedication and individual will, perhaps from one of our present commissioners, to drive it forward. It would also require the foresight to set aside a large area of fertile, open land. This could require zoning changes, public-private land swaps, coordination between county and municipal authorities and securing grant monies. In short, it would be a complex, long-term project.

But it needs to start now. Tooele Valley is closing in upon itself with new development. The idea of a central Liberty Park in the valley surrounded by city streets, businesses and homes may not be so far away. Conversely, if we don't carve out the space for such a park now, the idea of a valley center filled with industrial operations, big box stores, and gas stations is also not so far away.

Parks are a wonderful enhancement to the quality of life in any area, but trees don't grow quickly and open land doesn't preserve itself. Officials should start to plan now to create a Tooele Valley regional park that will be this generation's legacy to the future.