In what began as a celebratory experience for residents, Lehi leaders and park staff quickly devolved into a storm of confusion, controversy and misinformation over the hours of operation of the new The family park.

On Tuesday night, the Lehi City Council addressed the criticism and backlash during its meeting about why the park was not open seven days a week, with a particular focus on Sundays.

Following the fallout, the city announced Wednesday that Family Park will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to sunset. Factors such as safety, weather, maintenance and staffing all played a role in determining park hours, the city said on social media.

The 85-acre park for all abilities opened on September 14 and quickly became a destination for family recreation.

“What a beautiful experience. Being able to open those gates and see kids walk in was probably one of the most special moments I’ve ever seen,” Lehi City Facilities Superintendent Stephen Marchbanks said during the council meeting.

But shortly after the gates opened, he said questions from parkgoers began pouring in regarding days and hours of operation.

On Sept. 16, city officials took to social media to dispel misinformation that began circulating. “Some details, such as the park’s official hours, are still being finalized. Unfortunately, incorrect information has been circulating online, including the incorrect claim that the family park would be closed on Sundays,” Lehi City told its official. Facebook page.

Initially, the city said the park would be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to sunset with Sunday hours to be determined at a later date.

“I want to make it clear here, especially since the news media is here: I’ve never been in a discussion that anybody told me in the city that this park is going to be closed on Sunday,” Mayor Mark Johnson said. “The only thing that has not been determined is the time of the opening on Sunday.”

The city announced the park would be closed Sunday due to staffing restrictions.

Marchbanks said that within 10 days of the park opening, it had already sustained damage from vandalism and people flouting the posted hours and rules.

“Locks cut off gates, gates removed from hinges,” Marchbanks said in detail. “We’ve had human faeces next to the toilets. Dogs all over our park – it’s clearly the grant, please, no dogs.” However, service animals are allowed, he added.

Marchbanks also revealed a number of altercations that parks and recreation staff have encountered with the public.

“This hurts, but I will say (of) all the negatives … I can’t say how many people have enjoyed this park. It’s at least 4 to 1,” he told the council.

According to Marchbanks, due to the uniqueness of the Family Park and its amenities, adequate staffing is required, meaning the city must reduce its budget to accommodate additional staff and salaries.

“It’s not just your city park you’re going to,” he said. “This is more like our city hall. This is a unique feature that we have in our city.”

Another concern from residents is when or if the park will close for the winter.

Misinformation has also been spread online that Family Park will close sometime in October.

“We didn’t work that hard to keep it closed a minute after we opened it,” Marchbanks said. “We want this thing to thrive. Do we think it needs to be closed for the winter? Yes, I think it needs to be closed for the winter, and we need to be able to staff it and keep it fit.

As of Thursday, a definitive closing date for the winter — or whether it will be set at all — had not yet been set.

More information about Familjeparken is available at lehi-ut.gov/recreation/parks/family-park.