For the past month or more, I've been driving past this construction site.
This big pipeline used to be the Murdock Canal (the canal that goes past Orem cemetery and runs alongside the Novell Campus).
It seems like a nice idea--covering the canal. I know people have drown in that canal before. But why bury it now?
Actually, I don't know "Why?" But this much I do know: The canal covering will be home to a new, pedestrian-friendly trail. This trail will be a 15-foot wide, 17-mile long asphalt trail linking Orem through to Thanksgiving Point!
Wow, what a treat for us bike-lovers! This trail will also permit running enthusiasts, walkers, and horses. Yes, the trail will even permit equestrian riders.
Theoretically, one could start the day fishing the Provo River, bike, have lunch in American Fork, and spend the evening perusing dinosaur skeletons at the The Museum of Ancient Life. Now that sounds like a fun date!
With gas rising prices turning people to economical transportation, and recent public trends emphasizing health and fitness, this trail will certainly be a valued recreational resource and a fine addition to the rich tradition of our community.
Good traffic doesn't always get our appreciation, but oh, how bad traffic can get on our nerves!
It's like sailing on a windy day--nothing is worse than sailing against the wind, but a good tailwind doesn't always get due credit.
If you'll pause for a moment and think about it, you will noticed the winds of Orem have changed. The traffic situation in Orem over the past years has improved steadily and surely; the overall change has be drastic.
For example, prior to my current job, I worked at a place on the other side of town. Getting to work took me past some busy intersections, including turning onto 800 North and passing State Street. More than once, I made it to work without hitting a single red light. When it happened the first time, I pull up to work and let out a cheer. (I mean, how often do you make it across town without hitting a single red light?) The second time it happened, I was like, "Wow, that was cool." Eventually I lost count of this phenomenon, it became a regular occurrence.
Why the change? How could this be? Who are these traffic angels?
Well, there is an answer. In December, 2005, the City of Orem provided the City with a traffic control center. This project, a total of $350,000, was funded by a federal grant and funds from the city's budget. It was a project that started by equipping 14 of the city's busiest intersections with 360 degree spin PanTilt zoom cameras that can be controlled and viewed easily from the city's public works facility, including pictures from 37 other stationary video detection cameras.
The traffic control center which started out as room with 6 computers, 4 small, mounted screens, and 2 wide-screens panels (for viewing images from intersection cameras), received a makeover when the City moved its new public works facility. The newer facility completed in 2007 offers the traffic control center with a wider workspace where they can fit an additional 2 wide-screen panels.
This is a video I found on You Tube that gives you an idea of what the traffic control center looks like. It shows Orem's traffic engineers demonstrating the capabilities of the traffic cameras and shows the room. Take a look:
Since that time, improvements have continually been made to Orem's traffic grid. It is increasingly automated. Orem has since included blinking yellow turn arrows, and equipped intersections with more gadgets that manage light rotations to get you where you need to be on time!
Three years ago I had the chance to tour public works with a youth group. As a part of this tour we had the chance to see the traffic control center. My initial impression was that it looked like the bridge of the USS Voyager. It is pretty rad! We had a question and answer session where we learned that government representatives from all over come to look at our Orem facility. Orem's traffic control center is top of the line and a pioneer in automated traffic grids. We learned that the new system helped shave minutes off the State Street commute from Provo to Lindon, and vice versa.
Next time you drive down an Orem street, just take a minute to notice. See if Orem's traffic grid hasn't been improved; I'm confident that you will find it has been improved. Thank your local City Council member. And remember to be a courteous driver.
I've recently been introduced to trail running. I love running, and I love hiking. The natural mixture would be to run on a trail. Well it took the generosity of a stranger to make the suggestion. I have already forgotten the name of the person who suggested this to me, but he is an upstanding citizen of Orem nevertheless.
These past few weeks I've caught a bad case of the winter blues. After all, 'It is winter and there is nothing to do out side'. Right?
This seems to be the sentiment this time of year. But today I found myself walking around, outside, without any sweater or coat, and I wasn't cold. It is a beautiful day, and I went running!
We all learn at a young age that Utah is a desert. This is true. We need, and love, our snow; however, this year is a little different. There is no need to mope. We are caught in some sort of autumn-spring continuum that doesn't quite equate to winter, and there is a silver lining. Take a look:
I know...right? Beautiful!
All you nature lovers, go for a hike. And if you don't like nature, your time for repentance has been prolonged--because now is the perfect time to start loving it.
It was easy breathing above the smog. (Which is good, because the view was breathtaking.)
Sure there was a little mud, and sure there was a little snow, but there was enough snow to avoid stepping in the mud, and the snow was stiff enough to make a good foot hold and stiff enough to not get any liquid in your shoes. Next time I go, I'll take a friend.
Only one word of caution, take some shoes you are less fond of.
It happened while I was getting ready for school; I began daydreaming--I am apt to daydream. I seemed to see my life in perspective, and this haunting
question came to mind: What am I contributing?
Not much. I answered honestly.
What can I contribute? I wondered.
I figured, I need some sort of realm where I can apply the things I
learn, a place where I can do my civic duty to let my voice be heard, some
simple and consistent way to make a difference.
My day dreaming led to my love for talk radio and podcasts. (Yes, let it be known to the world, I love talk radio!)
Starting my own talk radio program, that would be a lot of fun!
What would I talk about?
Who would listen?
I arrived at the realization that I am not an authority on many subjects, especially on the topic of producing a radio program.
And then the vision came...
A blog--I could start a blog.
Orem--I could write about Orem.
I could pass as an authority on Orem. I reasoned, I mean, I have worked for Orem
City; I have served on the Orem Youth Council. I've lived here my whole
life, and not to mention my great grandparents moved here over 100 years
ago!
I love this City! Don't you? Really though, think about it.
Have you been to the Orem library? Have you heard of C.E.R.T.? Have
you been to the Timpanogos Story Telling Festival? Have you
participated in Orem's Summer Fest? Orem City is second to none--"Family
City USA". These are just a few things that make our city so special.
And this is our purpose: To celebrate and maintain the tradition that is this City--Keeping it Orem!
Come here to stay up to date on news of the city. Come here to join
in the conversation of current issues. But most importantly, come here
to love Orem.
I consider this a project in its infant stage. Right now it is at a
scale I think I can manage. A sounding board of sorts, a starting point.
But as the title of this post indicates, I have a vision.
