Cottonwood Heights, Utah. The word spread quickly when residents learned that UDOT had plans to expand Wasatch Boulevard into a seven-lane thoroughfare, a transformation that would make the scenic, peaceful gateway feel like a freeway. Wasatch Boulevard wasn’t just a road; it was a cherished pathway to outdoor recreation and a place where people found peace amidst nature.

“What kind of future do we want for our community?” This question united concerned neighbors, drawing them into living rooms and coffee shops to discuss how they could make their voices heard. Among these voices were founder, Ellen Birrell who quickly became a pivotal leader in the effort, bringing together fellow citizens of Cottonwood Heights under the shared vision of protecting their neighborhood’s character.

From these casual gatherings, "Save Not Pave" was born. As the group grew, so did their mission: to advocate for safety, sustainability, and community-centered development. They pushed for traffic calming measures, safer pedestrian crossings, and better infrastructure for biking and walking, aiming to prove that growth didn’t have to come at the expense of safety and quality of life. What started as a conversation in a crowded soon evolved into a city-wide movement.

Today, Save Not Pave stands as a voice in Cottonwood Heights, symbolizing resilience and the power of grassroots activism. With the slogan "Rethinking Roads, Driving Change," the organization reminds everyone that sometimes, the best path forward doesn’t require more asphalt.