On Tuesday evening, the Lehi City Council addressed the criticism and backlash during its meeting over why the park was not open seven days out of the week, with a specific focus on Sundays.

Following the fallout, the city announced Wednesday that Family Park will be open each day of the 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 Sept. 14 and quickly became a destination for family recreation.

“What a beautiful experience. To be part of opening those gates and watching 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’s meeting.

However, shortly after the gates opened, he said questions from park visitors began to funnel in regarding operating days and hours.

On Sept. 16, city officials took to social media to dispel misinformation that began to circulate. “A few details, such as the park’s official hours, are still being finalized. Unfortunately, inaccurate information has been circulating online, including the incorrect claim that Family Park would be closed on Sundays,” Lehi City said on 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 time.

“I want to make it clear here, particularly since the news media is here: I have never been in a discussion that somebody 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 solidly determined is the time of the opening on Sunday.”

The city did announce that the park would be closed last Sunday due to staffing restraints.

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

“Locks cut off gates, gates taken off hinges,” Marchbanks detailed. “We’ve had human feces next to the restrooms. Dogs everywhere in our park — it’s clearly posted, please, no dogs.” Service animals, however, are allowed, he added.

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

“This hurts, but I will say (out of) all the negatives … I can’t tell you 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 Family Park and its amenities, adequate staffing is required, which means the city has to dip into its budget to accommodate extra personnel and wages.

“It’s not just your neighborhood park that 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 also has spread online about Family Park closing sometime in October.

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

As of Thursday, a definite closure date for the winter — or if one is to be set at all — had yet to be determined.

More information about Family Park can be found at lehi-ut.gov/recreation/parks/family-park.