Parks and Recreation Month: West Valley City is the City in Motion!

The National Recreation and Park Association declares July as Park and Recreation Month! Parks and recreation not only enhance the health of individuals, they create and foster attractive, vibrant, and resilient communities like West Valley City, Utah.

West Valley City offers a lot to keep its residents and visitors “in motion.” Utah’s second-largest city is not only more affordable than nearby Salt Lake City; it has wide-open spaces with over 30 beautiful parks, many with unique recreational amenities. With a breathtaking backdrop like the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, West Valley City makes sure its residents can take full advantage of the great outdoors.

Speaking of mountains, it’s easy to think of snow when you think of Utah because the skiing is phenomenal. West Valley City is within an hour of five world-class ski resorts. But the summer is pretty great too! The area comes alive with golfing, amazing hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks. If you need a break from the action, there are plenty of shady spots and pavilions to meet up with friends or enjoy a good book.

West Valley City’s Recreation Options Fit Every Mood and Level

West Valley City is dedicated to making the outdoors enjoyable and accessible for everyone, from the casual dog walker to the daredevil. West Valley City offers an interactive map with loads of information to help you choose which of its 30 parks fits your mood. You can plan out your day, weekend, or entire summer. A complete list of facilities can be found here.

There are plenty of neighborhood parks like Terrace Ridge, Country Meadows, and Ironwood that offer playgrounds, benches, and basketball or volleyball courts. The inclusive playground at Peachtree Park is part of a nationwide data collection project on the value of play and recreation. Residents can participate by scanning the QR code on the sign. In many of the parks, there are pavilions to rent, and Redwood Multipurpose Center has an outdoor pool. Centennial Park is a 77-acre premier amenity with sports fields, a jogging path, and basketball and tennis courts.

If biking and leisurely hiking are your thing, among many others, West Valley City has a paved 3.3-mile section of the Jordan River Trail running through it as part of Rails-to-Trails. West Valley City’s trail is part of the 48.9-mile Jordan River Parkway Trail that connects Saratoga Springs and Salt Lake City. Using the Jordan River Redwood Trailhead Park docks, you can explore the water trails with your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe.

Another excellent option for strolling or walking your dog is the Cross Town Trail which spans about 6.5 miles taking you through Stonebridge Golf Club and past Decker Lake. Mountain View Corridor has an astounding view of the mountains and valley.

For those who want their leisure time to be a little more heart-pumping, the surrounding area and mountains offer hikers a variety of adventures. West Valley City also provides more structured recreation with its Skate Park and Pump Track. The thrilling 31,000-square-foot skate park is the largest one in Utah. Just north of the Skate Park, the Pump Track was opened in 2019. Used primarily by bikes, a pump track is a continuous loop of banks and turns that allows the rider to maneuver around the track without pedaling by utilizing balance and skill. The Pump Track is also open to skateboards, scooters, and roller blades. 

Golfing is a premier destination in West Valley City. The Ridge Golf Club is a frontrunner in the corporate and charity golf tournament market; the type of full-service venue where tournament planners compete for prime dates for their events. Its course is designed for all players with multiple elevation changes and a balanced mixture of risk/reward holes. Stonebridge Golf Club is a scenic gem located along the Wasatch Front that hosts the annual Stonebridge Amateur Tournament. The course offers enticing challenges, including a long par four with a green fronted by water and plenty of sand and water hazards. 

Parks and Recreation is an Economic Driver

While the societal benefits of parks and recreation are clear, West Valley City Economic Optimization & RDA also recognizes the impact parks and recreation have on economic development. By creating a sense of community and a higher quality of life, parks, trails, and facilities support a healthy environment for the economy. Parks and other outdoor amenities can significantly increase property values, attract and retain businesses, attract and retain a talented workforce, energize communities, boost tourism, create jobs, and increase tax revenues. The role they play in economic development and growth is vital.

Contact West Valley Economic Optimization to discover why the City is perfect for your business and family. Call 801-963-3345 or email us. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see our City’s recent projects.